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19th Peking University International Culture Festival kicks off
Nov 08, 2022

Peking University, November 8, 2022: The 19th Peking University International Culture Festival (ICF) kicked off on November 6 at the square of the Peking University Hall under the theme "Shared World, Shared Dreams, Shared Future." PKU President Gong Qihuang, Vice President and Provost Wang Bo, Vice President Ning Qi, and representatives from both inside and outside Peking University attended the opening ceremony. 

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Wang Bo

On behalf of Peking University, Wang Bo extended a warm welcome to the guests and expressed his sincere gratitude to teachers and students who partook in the event. Peking University has been committed to building an international, diverse, and inclusive campus, Wang highlighted, adding that the ICF, as an epitome of such endeavor, would showcase the splendid cultures of different countries and regions and display the verve and vitality of the youth. 

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Ma Jianfei

Ma Jianfei, Director-General of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, a non-profit institution for international Chinese language education affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, extended his congratulations on the holding of the ICF. He pointed out that over the past 19 years, the PKUICF has always upheld openness and inclusiveness, strived to promote the communications and dialogues among different civilizations, and has become an important bond connecting the people and the youth from countries and regions. Ma hoped that through this opportunity, the youth at PKU could display their talents and characters, so as to promote the friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world and make contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. 

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Ding Ning

Ding Ning, a grand slam winner in table tennis and a graduate student at the Department of Physical Education, spoke on behalf of the Chinese students. She recollected that as an athlete, she felt regretful for not being able to have a deeper understanding of the people and culture behind every place she had toured. The ICF offered such a chance to present the gorgeousness of the world “like a kaleidoscope,” Ding believed.

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Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi

Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi, a doctoral student from PKU’s College of Engineering, who spoke as a representative of the international students, said that the last 7-year experience in China has been a wonderful time. He deeply felt that along with the exchanges of various cultures in China, the profound traditional Chinese culture had added richness of connotations to the philosophy of building a community with a shared future for mankind. “From the Knowing and Doing program organized by the Office of International Students to participating in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Peking University offers a broad platform for international students to spread the cultural concept of peace and harmony, and better tell the stories of China and the world,” he added. 

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PKU President Gong Qihuang (center) posing for pictures with guests, teachers and students at the ICF

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PKU Vice President Ning Qi presenting a student with the ICF flag

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The opening ceremony climaxed with a demonstration of Chinese martial arts (Wushu), a piece of street dance and a song performance. PKU President Gong Qihuang declared the opening of the ICF.

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After the opening ceremony of the ICF, the On-Campus Exhibition & Carnival officially kicked off, which featured a total of 48 exhibition booths from 37 countries and regions. Dressed in traditional garments and with specialties and souvenirs in their hands, staff and volunteers at the booths demonstrated to students and teachers a microcosm of the global community. 

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At the Spanish booth, you could get a special Spanish name corresponding to your birthday. Those who lingered at the Spanish booth were also impressed by the Spanish folklores and deep meaning behind every name. 

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The German booth was of great popularity. Over 20 people joined in collaboration to present their home country, proving cultural goods such as snacks, alcohol, and giveaways. They also prepared short quizzes about German culture, lifestyle, and studying in Germany. “You have the chance to meet a lot of unique people, make a lot of new friends, and that is why I really like the diversity here,” said Jan Hartmann, MBA student from Germany, during an interview with Beida News.
 
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McSLmon P Garvlehn (Left)

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McSLmon P Garvlehn is currently studying the masters of Public Polity. When asked about the cultural differences between Liberia and China, he commented: “I think Chinese cultures are more unique, African countries can learn more from China because it’s the cultural activities and cultural values that make China stronger.” When asked about the cultural differences between Liberia and China, McSLmon P Garvlehn, who is currently studying the Masters of Public Polity, commented: “I think Chinese cultures are more unique, African countries can learn more from China because it’s the cultural activities and cultural values that make China stronger.”

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Chinese students, who were partaking or volunteering at the exhibition also shared their experiences and observations with Beida News. Ran Xinran, a Chinese student of the Department of History, said that “Because I have never been to any foreign countries, there aren’t many opportunities to experience other countries’ traditional culture. I think it’s a precious chance to promote mutual understanding between different countries and cultures.”

When asked about his gains from being a volunteer at the Malawi’s booth, Wang Yanxiang, a Chinese student at Yuanpei College, said,  “I've established a special and intimate relationship with a foreign friend. Despite our different (cultural) backgrounds, we had a wonderful time when preparing it.” 

“I've expanded my knowledge and broadened my horizons through the preparation. In this special time calling for more international interactions in the post-pandemic era, such relationship is urgently needed, not only for China but for the whole world,” Wang added.

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First held in 2004, the International Culture Festival is one of the best-known flagship events at Peking University, witnessing the diffusion of different cultures on campus. It is also a festival that transcends cultural and racial barriers, enabling students from different parts of the world to gather together and learn more about each other.

Related reading: In pics: 19th Peking University International Culture Festival opens

Written by: Fu Jiaqi, Chen Chuyun, Niki Qiu, Wang Ziyu
Edited by: Meng Bin
Photos by: Chen Siru, Zhu Chengxuan, Zhang Lingxin, Gao Peichao
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