On April 25, Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) kicked off its 21st World Culture Festival. More than 50,000 people from over 100 countries and regions joined the event.
Party Secretary Ni Haidong announced the opening.
Vice President Huang Yifang said in his speech that the festival has become an important platform for mutual learning between Chinese and international youth. He added that BLCU will continue to build bridges through language and contribute to a community with a shared future for mankind.
Fernández, a counselor, shared his fond memories of visiting BLCU three times and thanked the university for its efforts to promote cultural exchange. He emphasized in his speech, “Culture never builds walls, but opens paths to understanding.” He encouraged young people from all nations to enjoy the beauty of cultural integration.
During the parade, students from different countries wore traditional costumes and heldtheir national flags. Wutong Avenue turned into a “civilization corridor,” and faces of many colors came together in a scene of mutual understanding and friendship.
At the performance area, musical instruments, dances, and intangible cultural heritage skills shared the same stage. The diverse art forms not only showed the richness of world civilizations but also deepened the friendship among young people through collaboration.
More than 100 exhibition booths representing five continents displayed their unique cultures, from Asian porcelain to European oil paintings and African drumbeats. Every step felt like a cross-cultural conversation spanning thousands of miles.
The Chinese culture zone presented wonderful performances. Visitors experienced Tai Chi, calligraphy, tea art, and Hanfu in immersive ways, feeling the warmth and depth of Chinese civilization.
The food area brought together global flavors, allowing visitors to enjoy tasty dishes and making cultural exchange even more memorable.
The university’s achievement exhibition and partner booths showcased BLCU’s international education success and provided a platform for cross-cultural interaction, reflecting the charm and strength of the “Little United Nations.”
With the image of a “river” symbolizing connection and exchange, this year’s festival was also celebrated simultaneously at BLCU’s overseas campuses and 29 Confucius Institutes.
After 21 years, BLCU’s World Culture Festival has become a bright window to present the university, an important vehicle to share Chinese culture, a wonderful stage to show cultural diversity, and a solid bridge to promote exchange among world civilizations. BLCU will continue to follow its motto — “Virtue, Language, Harmony, World” — and contribute its wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
（Editor：Yuan Boyan He Yuqi）
