At noon on May 28, students from around the world gathered on the lawn in front of Guanghua Tower at Fudan University for the third “World Journey” cultural event. At booths they had decorated themselves, they shared traditional objects, clothing, handicrafts, hometown foods, and games, while on the main stage, songs, dances, and a costume fashion show turned the afternoon into a lively and warm celebration of cultures.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Fudan University Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Party Committee Student Affairs Department, the Career Development Office, the International Student Office, the Fudan Youth League Committee, the Retired Staff Office, the Office of Lifelong Education, and the Belt and Road & Global Governance Institute, along with guests from the Yangpu Branch of Bank of China and the Shanghai Baoshan International Folk Art Museum.

 

Fang Ming, Deputy Secretary of the Fudan University Party Committee, welcomed the guests and students on behalf of the university. He said that the “World Journey” event is a great example of how Fudan is building a more international campus, and an important opportunity for Chinese and international students to share their cultures and learn from each other. He encouraged the students to use these exchanges to build understanding and friendship, and to grow into young ambassadors who can bring different cultures closer together.

Part 1: Stage Performances

First up: an energetic traditional dance by students from Kazakhstan. Then Ma Wei, a teacher from the Nordic Center, performed an original Finnish song, followed by a student from the Czech Republic with a guitar cover of a local pop song — a glimpse of European culture. Students from Sri Lanka and Pakistan took the stage one after another, performing traditional dances that brought the rhythms and art of South Asia to life.

 

The second half was just as lively. Students from Korea, Singapore, and China did a high-energy K-pop dance. A gentle Thai song followed, along with classic Indonesian melodies. A traditional Uzbek dance drew warm applause with its rich Central Asian flavor. As different rhythms and dance moves came together, passing students and faculty stopped to watch.

 

 

 

Part 2: Fashion Show

The fashion show was one of the highlights of the day. Students from ten countries — including Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Mauritius — walked across the stage in traditional clothing, each to music from their own country. Every turn and pose showed not just the beauty of the outfits, but also the history, aesthetics, and way of life behind them. The audience got a close-up look at the rich diversity of world cultures.

 

Bunyod Nosirov, a master‘s student in international business from Uzbekistan, appeared in a traditional Chapan decorated with gold thread. He explained that the Chapan is often worn at celebrations like weddings and birthdays, usually in light blue, purple, green, or white — colors that represent the kindness, openness, and hospitality of the Uzbek people.

Lin Fangfang, an undergraduate from Vietnam majoring in broadcast journalism, wore a green Ao Dai. She said that in Vietnam, the Ao Dai is worn on many occasions: red for weddings, white for students, and any color you like for everyday life. She also noticed the differences between the traditional outfits from various countries. Seeing so many different aesthetics come together, she said, was “really interesting.”

Part 3: Cultural Booths

 

Nearly 30 cultural booths lined the lawn, each offering something different. There were East Asian pop culture and traditional games, Central and Southeast Asian crafts and festivals, European snacks and quizzes, and art displays from the Middle East and Africa. People tasted food, made crafts, collected stamps, and slowly got to know each other's cultures through friendly conversation.

  At the UAE booth, students shared traditional paintings and talked about their country‘s history and heritage. “I can introduce my own country and also make so many new friends,” said Shaikha, a language student from the UAE, smiling. “It’s a really heartwarming experience.”

 The Russian students brought a taste of home to Fudan. Daria visited several Russian food stores to find the most authentic ingredients. She also designed a snack-naming game for visitors. “Food really is the best cultural bridge,” Daria said. “When the food melts in your mouth, the cultural distance quietly disappears.”

 Nanami, an undergraduate from Japan, noticed that the festival has grown livelier each year, with more countries and more people joining. “It was such a fulfilling day,” she said. “I feel really happy to talk with so many students from different countries.”

 Adrien has both French and Ivorian cultural backgrounds. “Coming to China, I not only learn about Chinese culture in depth,” he said, “but I also get to share my own culture with others. People from different backgrounds share their stories here and find ways to connect despite our differences. That‘s what makes exchange so valuable.”

 Baji, a Beninese alumnus who graduated from Fudan’s School of International Relations and Public Affairs in 1989, came to the event with his family. He said that returning to his alma mater felt like coming home. “Fudan today feels like a little United Nations,” he said. “I want to keep coming back every year.”

 Conclusion

The “World Journey” was more than just a cultural showcase. It served as a bridge between China and the world, bringing together young people from different countries.

Culture here was not something abstract. It was food to taste, clothing to see, music to hear, and activities to join. Students shared their traditions, found common ground, told their stories, and listened to others.

On a gentle May afternoon, Fudan welcomed the world once again. Different cultures met, shared, and appreciated one another. In this open and inclusive campus, conversations across continents continue, and new global stories are being written every day.

Source: Study at Fudan