The foreign experts gather at the International Cultural Festival of TJU. (PHOTO: TJU)

By Eva Yin

For the 13th year, a festival aimed at strengthening cultural exchanges between Chinese and international students, while also creating a friendly platform for mutual respect, understanding, and inclusiveness, known as the International Cultural Festival of Tianjin University(TJU), kicked off on its Weijin Road campus on May 13.

Themed "Diversified TJU, Harmony and Development," the festival consists of three major parts, namely artistic performances, a food court, and a cultural exhibition. More than a thousand students gathered to enjoy the cultural feast.

As the event commenced, Malaysian students studying at TJU  took the stage and presented an energetic and captivating performance of their intangible cultural heritage known as the Twenty-Four Festive Drums. The drummers, with their movements, created a powerful and rhythmic sound that resonated with the enthusiastic audience.

It was also a brand new experience for Nicole Kueh Shian Maun, a Malaysian student majoring in environmental engineering at TJU and one of the performing drummers.  "We are very grateful to the university for providing such a good opportunity for us to tell our Chinese peers what our country is like. And we are glad to learn about many other cultures and get to know many friends," she said.

The International Cultural Festival is not only a celebration of diversity but also an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and learn from each other. The festival provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, share their cultural traditions, and create lasting connections. It also encourages dialogue and interaction, fostering a spirit of cooperation and harmony.

This article is contributed by TJU.