On May 16, Shanghai University held the opening ceremony of its 13th International Cultural Festival and 19th International Cultural Custom Exhibition at the library square of Baoshan Campus. With the theme “Honoring 60 Years of Heritage, Innovating for a Better Future,” the event marked the conclusion of a series of activities celebrating 60 years of international education at the university. Thousands of Chinese and international students, faculty, alumni, and guests from around the world gathered on campus to experience a vibrant celebration of global cultures.

Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included former Ministry of Education official Liu Baoli, Shanghai University’s Party Committee member Zeng Jun, Shanghai Education Exchange Association Secretary-General Li Weiping, and Maldivian State Minister Ahmed Amzath, a distinguished alumnus. Representatives from various university departments and partner institutions also attended.

The ceremony was hosted by international students Katia (Russia) and Wang Yong (Bangladesh).

In his speech, Li Weiping, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Education Exchange Association, noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of international students coming to study at Shanghai University — a milestone moment. He praised Shanghai University for its steadfast commitment to educational opening-up and for its achievements in international student cultivation, global education cooperation, and cross-cultural exchange, setting an excellent example for the internationalization of education in Shanghai and beyond. Li added that the Association will continue to work with Shanghai University to support its high-quality development in international talent cultivation and Sino-foreign cultural exchange.

Zeng Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Director of the Propaganda Department of Shanghai University, declared the festival officially open.

Student representatives from different countries and regions walked onto the stage one by one, dressed in colorful traditional costumes. They greeted the audience warmly in both Chinese and their native languages. With confident smiles, these young students from diverse nations and backgrounds presented a vivid picture of Shanghai University’s international student family.

The Haiyi International Student Choir of Shanghai University performed the song “As You Wish” (Ru Yuan), conveying a heartfelt wish for peace and a better future. Voices of students from different countries blended in harmony, while many in the audience quietly sang along. The music brought together people of different languages and cultures.

A lively lineup of song and dance performances followed, as students from around the world took the stage to showcase their cultural traditions.

Beyond the main stage, the library square was transformed into a vibrant mini "global village," with nearly 30 booths representing different countries and regions. Students shared their history, culture, and traditions through creative displays, traditional attire, handicrafts, food, and interactive games. Visitors explored booth after booth, learning about each culture directly from the students themselves — and in the process, friendships grew and horizons expanded.

Food prizes also drew a crowd. The university’s Women’s Committee and the Apartment Management Center set up booths offering ice cream, cake, sesame cakes, lemonade, and mung bean soup — all as rewards for games that also taught safety tips. Long lines formed, and the buzz of excitement added to the festive energy of the day.

An official citywide amateur sports event — the 2026 Shanghai City Amateur League — also brought a special “alleyway games” session to campus. International and Chinese students, faculty, and nearby residents tried their hand at traditional Shanghai street games such as rolling hoops, spinning tops, and hopscotch. Age and nationality melted away as everyone enjoyed the simple fun of these old-school games, which added a touch of local Shanghai flavor to the global celebration.

Students from around the world — speaking different languages and coming from different backgrounds — came together through cultural exchange, finding common ground in mutual understanding. Looking ahead, Shanghai University will continue to advance its goal of becoming a truly global university — deepening international cooperation and people-to-people exchange, promoting cross-cultural understanding, supporting student growth, and opening new chapters in its high-quality development.

Source: Shanghai University