On the afternoon of May 9th, the 12th International Cultural Festival and the 18th International Cultural Exhibition of Shanghai University kicked off at the Baoshan Campus. Yu Xuemei, Vice President of Shanghai University, AHMED AMZATH, representative of outstanding alumni and Minister of State for Fisheries and Marine Resources of Maldives, Lin Yin, Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Education International Exchange Association, Zhang Yu, First - level Researcher of Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, Zeng Jun, Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Minister of Publicity of the University, leaders of relevant departments and colleges of the university, and representatives of external cooperation units attended the event.

The International Cultural Festival, themed "Mixing Cultures, Making Magic", was co - organized by the Publicity Office of the CPC Shanghai University Committee and the International Department of Shanghai University, and was jointly participated by thousands of Chinese and foreign teachers and students from more than 50 countries.

The robot dog from Hangzhou YuShu TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD presented a unique opening dance performance, blending pop culture with technology and showcasing the fashion - forward role of AI.

Vice President Yu Xuemei delivered a speech and declared the festival open. In her speech, she introduced the beautiful meaning of the theme of the 2025 Shanghai University International Cultural Festival, "Mixing Cultures, Making Magic". She emphasized that the university would continue to deepen international cooperation, strive for new peaks in internationalization, and inject momentum into the construction of a high - level university with global influence.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Marina, a master’s student from the School of Economics and Management from Russia, and Baha, a master’s student from the School of Journalism and Communication from Uzbekistan.

Student representatives from various countries entered the venue dressed in their traditional national costumes, presenting a splendid and colorful "World Fashion Show".

Wu Feide, an outstanding graduate from the Class of 2024 and a student from Argentina, delivered an enthusiastic speech. He reviewed his wonderful experiences during his studies at Shanghai University and extended his best wishes for the successful hosting of this International Cultural Festival.

The International Student Dance Troupe performed an energetic dance called “Like Jennie.”

The International Cultural Festival is not only a stage for Chinese and foreign students to showcase the cultural styles of various countries, but also a good platform for strengthening inter - school exchanges and mutual learning. Shanghai University has always aspired to cultivate outstanding international students, establish long - term, stable, and close cooperative relationships with other schools and enterprises, and jointly create bases for international students' internships, practical experiences, and entrepreneurship, so as to facilitate better all - round development for international students.

Wang Lina, the Party Secretary of the International Department of Shanghai University, and Li Yingjie, the Deputy Director of the International Department of Shanghai University and the Dean of the International Education College of Shanghai University, presented the certificates to six international student internship and innovation and entrepreneurship units, including the Affiliated Primary School of Shanghai University, the Affiliated School of Shanghai University, the Affiliated Baoshan Foreign Language School of Shanghai University, Shanghai Baoshan Technology Holdings Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yucheng Yunji Commercial Management Co., Ltd., and 1876 New Vision Industrial Park.

The International Student Choir of Shanghai University, known as Haiyi, performed the choral piece "Let the World Be Filled with Love & Golden Hour" for the audience, conveying the diverse charm of world culture through their singing.

There are nearly 30 national and regional booths in this International Cultural Exhibition, and each booth fully demonstrates the history, culture, and national customs of its country through posters, exhibition boards, handicrafts, and other forms, building a bridge of mutual understanding between people in laughter and joy.

The "Nine Competitions" for international students at Shanghai University in 2025 was held at the Shanghai University during the festival. International students have experienced the charm of old Shanghai alley games, which has brought them closer to traditional Chinese culture.

After nearly two decades of development, the Cultural Customs Exhibition has increasingly become a cultural calling card highlighting the internationalization of Shanghai University. Shanghai University will deepen educational reform and open cooperation, actively respond to the demands of the times, and unswervingly promote the construction of “An Internationalized Shanghai University.” It will make its due contribution to global education governance and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

 

Source: the official WeChat account of Shanghai University

Photography: Chen Yongqi, Song Zixian

Text: Ren Yifan