On the afternoon of July 7, 2025, the 10th "Zhihong" International Summer School Cultural Festival was successfully held in Room 500, Building A of the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Meticulously organized by volunteers with enthusiastic participation from both Chinese and international students, over 40 participants from seven countries—Kazakhstan, India, Serbia, Poland, Greece, Russia, and China—gathered to present a spectacular audio-visual feast. While showcasing their national cultures, they also fostered cultural exchange among participants.
The Cultural Festival was hosted by Chinese student Chenyun Jin.
Figure 1: Host's Opening Remarks
Kicking off the event, participants collaborated on a large canvas centered around the theme "Diverse Beauties, Harmonious Unity: One World, One Family." They filled colors and patterns within an outline map of Eurasia and iconic university landmarks, marking the official commencement of the festival. This collective activity immediately energized the venue, as participants mingled while sharing snacks.
Figure 2: Collaborative Painting
Next, groups took the stage sequentially to showcase their talents.
The first group presented a humorous dubbed performance of the "Kingdom of Women" episode from “Journey to the West”. Chinese students voiced characters in English while international students used newly learned Chinese, eliciting laughter throughout the venue.
Figure 3: First Group’s "Kingdom of Women" Dubbing
The second group ignited the stage with an exuberant song-and-dance performance of "Good Time." Chinese student Jie Feng opened with a soulful solo, followed by synchronized group choreography that prompted the entire audience to clap along.
Figure 4: Second Group’s "Good Time" Performance
With the cheers hardly fading, the third group immediately took the stage. Performing the playful "Duck Dance" to cheerful melodies, they delighted the crowd with its whimsical charm.
Figure 5: Third Group’s Duck Dance
The fourth group offered a creative twist with a Chinese rap titled "Fortune from All Directions." Greek participant Dimosthenis’s repetitive chant of "Fortune! Come!" drove the atmosphere to a climax. After the rap, students linked shoulders to dance a spirited traditional Greek dance, amplifying the vibrant energy.
Figure 6: Fourth Group’s Rap Performance
Riding the wave of excitement, the fifth group led all participants in singing "We Are the World". Students in the audience waved smartphone flashlights in unison, transforming the hall into a sea of shimmering lights reminiscent of a concert.
Figure 7: Fifth Group’s Chorus
The sixth group embodied the Olympic spirit through a diverse yet harmonious medley of songs, vividly showcasing the participants’ global unity.
Figure 8: Sixth Group’s Song Medley
Finally, Indian participant Sneha, accompanied on ukulele by Chinese student Zhuoying Wang, captivated the audience with heartfelt renditions of "From the Start," "August," and "Close to You." Her graceful and moving voice immersed everyone in artistic splendor.
Figure 9: Vocal Performance with Ukulele Accompaniment
To conclude, participants collectively crafted Chinese knots. Through mutual assistance and patient guidance, each created their own auspicious knot.
Figure 10: Chinese Knot Making
Amid jubilant harmony, the festival culminated in a group photo where all proudly displayed their collaboratively painted theme canvas, immortalizing this cherished moment.
Figure 11: Group Photo with Canvas
As a signature tradition of the "Zhihong" International Summer School—now held for ten consecutive years—the Cultural Festival serves as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue among nations and ethnicities. It deepens mutual understanding while creating unforgettable memories for all involved.