October 17, 2025
Forty Years of Partnership, Walking Together with Germany
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
10th International Culture Festival
Dazzlingly Opens
On October 17, 2025, the 10th International Culture Festival of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST) grandly opened at the Xiaoheshan Campus. Under the theme “Forty Years of Partnership, Walking Together with Germany”, the festival celebrated four decades of Sino-German cooperation and served as a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning. University leaders, faculty and students from nearly 100 countries and regions, German guests, alumni, and representatives from various sectors gathered together to partake in this cross-border cultural exchange feast.
Lion and Dragon Dance Unfold Cultural Charm; Chinese and Foreign Voices Resonate in Harmony
The opening ceremony kicked off with the rousing beat of drums. A powerful and spirited lion dance was beautifully complemented by a graceful bamboo dragon performance from the Anji Campus, an intangible cultural heritage piece, showcasing the charm and vitality of traditional Chinese culture. This was followed by a series of performances, including duets, a Moroccan choir, and a vibrant dance medley by international students, bringing the atmosphere to a crescendo. The entire show was emceed trilingually in Chinese, German, and English by three students — Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh from Vietnam, Darius from Germany, and Britini from Nigeria — vividly embodying the festival’s spirit of openness and inclusivity.
During a solemn flag parade, 127 flags representing students’ countries and student clubs converged into a sea of colors. Student representatives from over 60 countries, including Germany and Vietnam, took the stage one after another, proudly holding their national flags. The emcees noted that “the power of culture is forged in the vitality, creativity, and cohesion of every nation”, a sentiment that captured the harmonious coexistence of global cultures on campus.
University Leadership Address
Professor Li Qipeng, Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President, delivered an address. He emphasized the special significance of holding the International Culture Festival at this historic moment marking the 40th anniversary of Sino-German cooperation. He expressed his hope that Chinese and international students would make the most of this platform to deepen understanding through sincere dialogue, spark new ideas through meaningful exchange, enhance their global competence, and help build a broader and stronger bridge for mutual learning among civilizations.
New Base Unveiled to Begin a New Chapter; Golden Sand Flows to Paint a Splendid Picture
To strengthen international students’ education on China’s national conditions, an unveiling ceremony was held for the “Social Practice Base for International Students in China” during the opening ceremony. The plaque was jointly unveiled by Wei Jianhua, Vice Dean of the School of International Education, and Sun Huigang, Deputy Party Secretary of Xiaoheshan Community, in the presence of Professor Zhu Jie, Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President, and Mr. Tang Rui, Party Secretary of Liuxia Subdistrict, Xihu District.
Amid great anticipation, university leaders and Chinese and foreign guests jointly activated the flowing golden sand installation. As the golden grains slowly cascaded, the words “Accelerate the Development of a High-Level University with Distinctive Features” gradually emerged, officially marking the launch of the festival. The audience responded with prolonged applause.
A World Expo on Campus: Experience Global Cultures Up Close
Immediately following the ceremony, 30 distinctively themed national pavilions opened simultaneously, transforming the campus into a “World Culture Expo”. From the rich aroma of Thai-style milk tea, to the pulsating rhythms of African drums, to the exquisite craftsmanship of Central Asian blue ceramics — faculty and students wandered from booth to booth, engaging in interactive experiences such as tasting authentic cuisines, trying traditional handicrafts, and donning ethnic costumes. Through these immersive activities, they were able to deeply appreciate the unique charm of diverse cultures from around the world.
Looking Ahead
From its first edition to its tenth, the ZUST International Culture Festival has evolved into a shining hallmark of the university’s internationalization efforts. A decade of dedication has not only produced countless memorable moments but has also planted the seeds of openness and inclusivity in the hearts of faculty and students.
Looking to the future, the university will continue to leverage the festival as a key platform to broaden the channels for international exchange, foster a vibrant multicultural environment on campus, and contribute ZUST’s strength to the shared vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
SOIE OF ZUST
October 18, 2025
