A Night of Diverse Sounds, A Toast to the New Year: SISU's 2026 International Gala Concludes in Success

| Dec 30, 2025

On the evening of December 22nd, the 2026 New Year Gala for the School of Chinese Studies and Exchange (SCSE) at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) warmly commenced at the Yifu Auditorium on the Hongkou Campus. Hundreds of Chinese and international students and faculty gathered together, immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.

The tone for the night was set by a spectacular opening dance performed by the International Student Street Dance Crew. Their energetic moves and infectious rhythm instantly electrified the audience, igniting an atmosphere of excitement.

Chinese and international hosts sharing the stage together.

True to its spirit of Chinese-international integration, the gala became a vibrant "runway" for diverse cultures. The evening featured a total of 18 performances by students from numerous countries. The dazzling stage came alive with a spectacular variety of acts: street dance, solo singing, musical numbers, traditional Chinese opera, comedy skits, and classical Chinese dance. The program was a seamless flow of melodious songs, graceful moves, and hilarious sketches, offering non-stop entertainment. From the mesmerizing art of Sichuan Opera face-changing to soulful songs performed in foreign languages, each act allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the beautiful diversity and shared threads of global culture.

To maximize the fun and engagement, the venue was equipped with interactive props, ensuring every burst of enthusiasm found its expression. Beyond the performances, the night featured a lucky draw with fantastic prizes, including SISU-branded notebooks, umbrellas, and suitcases. A total of 100 third-prize winners, 50 second-prize winners, and 5 grand-prize winners were drawn. The gala also included a special awards segment to recognize and celebrate outstanding students. This moment of appreciation filled the hall with a wave of warmth, bringing the evening's heartfelt atmosphere to its peak.

Dean Chen Changlai presents certificates to outstanding international students.

This New Year gala, transcending borders, was a heartwarming gathering where students from around the world connected through the universal language of art. It served as a vibrant, living example of cultural fusion. As we step into the new year, this very warmth born from diversity and mutual understanding will continue to journey forward with us all.

Memorable Moments from the Stage