We have specially prepared a Vietnamese cuisine experience, including coconut sticky rice, spring rolls, and Vietnamese noodle salad. These dishes not only showcase the unique culinary culture of Vietnam but also embody the deep friendship between the peoples of the two countries." Vu Thuan Nhan Hong , a Vietnamese student, said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. Seeing Xi's visit Vietnam and other countries has further deepened the profound friendship between our two nations. We sincerely hope that the International Cultural Festival will serve as a platform to create more opportunities for exchange and dialogue between the youth of China and Vietnam.””
On the afternoon of May 6, the opening ceremony of the 21st International Cultural Festival and International Food Carnival was held at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics' Guoding Road Campus. With the theme "Bridging Hearts, Building Dreams," this year's festival aims to promote mutual learning among civilizations and create an international platform for multicultural integration through cultural exhibitions, innovative practices, and youth dialogues.
University leaders including Xu Tao, Liu Yuanchun, Yao Lingzhen, He Pengcheng, Liu Qingsheng, and Jin Yuying, along with Standing Committee members of the Party Committee Cao Dongbo and Chu Hua, participated in the event. They were joined by representatives from relevant functional departments, school/institute leaders, corporate partners, and both Chinese and international faculty and student representatives, including those from affiliated schools.
Vice President Yao Lingzhen delivered the opening address, encouraging SUFE's Chinese and international students to stand at the forefront of the times, become guides for mutual learning among civilizations, and serve as effective communicators of China's stories in the practice of building a global community of shared future.
During the ceremony, Xu Jingqi, Executive Chair of the Student Union from the School of Finance, and Chong Kai Jie (Malaysia), Executive Chair of the International Students Union, addressed the audience as student representatives. They outlined the festival's programs and initiatives. The event featured a debut performance of the original song "Huazhang" (Splendid Chapter) by students, which artistically conveyed the concept of harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures and humanity's shared commitment to building a better future through musical collaboration.
At the International Food Carnival, 30 cultural booths jointly set up by international students formed a "Global Feast on the Tip of the Tongue." Signature delicacies such as Kazakhstan's samsa (baked dumplings), Thailand's pink sweet milk, and France's croissants showcased the contemporary imprint of the Belt and Road Initiative and cross-cultural exchanges. Meanwhile, students from various countries engaged in traditional costume displays, handicraft workshops, and interactive activities to foster in-depth intercultural dialogue.
Saidolimbek Gulomov (Uzbekistan), a Class of 2023 undergraduate in International Economics and Trade, wore traditional attire and demonstrated the Kumush Tanga (Silver Coin) game, sharing the history of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road: "Kumush Tanga is not only an integral element of our culture but also a symbol of Silk Road trade and cultural interactions. By recreating this traditional game at SUFE today, we offer a vivid embodiment of civilizational dialogue under the Belt and Road framework."
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Meanwhile, a dedicated Chinese Cuisine and Cultural Experience Zone featured activities such as lantern riddle guessing, poetry recitals, and interactive games including paper-cutting, marble games, and Feihualing (poetry challenge game). Li Chaoran, Executive Chair of the Graduate Student Union at the School of International Cultural Exchange, remarked, "This zone serves as a platform to share China's stories with international students. The idiom chain game left the deepest impression on me—it showcased the profound depth of Chinese idioms, while allowing international students to engage with our linguistic heritage through playful interaction."
Douglas De Santanna Cordeiro, an international student from Brazil, shared his reflections: "I participated in the poetry recitation contest and the food puzzle challenge. My Chinese peers taught me the meaning of 'appreciate each culture's uniqueness while pursuing shared beauty in diversity.' Respecting differences, preserving authenticity, and growing together—this is the wisdom we need to address global challenges.
A growing number of international students are choosing to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship in China. This year’s International Cultural Festival featured a dedicated International Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Exhibition Zone, showcasing high-quality projects initiated by SUFE’s international students. Notable initiatives included MoKa Coffee, a coffee shop co-founded by a Malaysian student team that embodies the innovative vitality of cross-cultural exchanges among global youth. Other projects, such as the Thousand Villages Survey—including research on integrated rural cultural-tourism development in Anqing, Anhui Province, and studies on optimizing public maternal-infant rooms in Shanghai, conducted by teams from Japan, Ecuador, and other countries—highlighted international students’ commitment to engaging with China’s grassroots communities and addressing social development issues. These projects serve as dynamic examples of “telling China’s stories well."
Wong Zhengchao (Malaysia), a 2024 Master of International Business student and founder of the Jiafu Cross-Border Durian Trade Platform, stated, “As a bridge connecting Malaysia and China, our platform focuses on introducing Malaysia’s premium Musang King durians to China. Through innovative supply chain integration and green agricultural technologies, we aim to deepen China-Malaysia collaboration in agriculture, technology, and culture.
During the opening ceremony, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) and L'ADORE COLORS jointly unveiled the International Student Internship and Practical Training Base and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base. Yang Yan, Head of L'ADORE COLORS, stated, "Moving forward, we will provide international students with diverse hands-on platforms. Whether engaging in product development or conducting market research, students will deepen their understanding of the Chinese market through practical engagement."
SUFE has long been committed to fostering integration and exchange between Chinese and international students, building platforms for youth dialogue, and collectively advancing the vision of a global community of shared future. Yang Jingzhuo (France), a 2024 undergraduate in Business Administration, shared, "I’ve witnessed the deepening exchanges between Chinese and French youth in recent years. As an international student passionate about Chinese culture, I feel a responsibility to bring these insights on cultural integration back to France, sharing them widely to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse world." Jiang Yingyue (Italy), a 2024 Master of International Business (English-taught program) student, reflected, "At this vibrant festival hosted by SUFE, I not only appreciated the elegance of Eastern culture but also took pride in the dynamism of Western traditions. Our booth featured handmade focaccia and pasta. I hope everyone shares these experiences with friends, spreading the charm of Italian culture!"
This year’s festival welcomed children from SUFE Affiliated Primary School for the third time. They interacted with international students at exhibition booths, broadening their global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. In addition to the regular "A Child’s Perspective on the World" English Corner After-School Program, international students will also visit the primary school for cultural exchange activities during the festival.
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Co-organized by the School of International Cultural Exchange and the University Youth League Committee, and jointly hosted by the International Students Union, the Graduate Student Union of the School of International Cultural Exchange, and student unions from the School of Accountancy, Business School, School of Finance, School of Public Economics and Management, and Law School, the festival will continue for nearly a month. Upcoming events include "Youth Journey: Sino-Foreign Cycling Tour to Explore Shanghai," "A Child’s Perspective on World Cultures" primary school outreach, Uzbekistan National Culture Exhibition, "Cultural Encounters" Themed Tour, and the Chunhui Music Festival. These activities will blend diverse global cultures, fostering a harmonious international campus community.
