Peking University, November 12, 2024: The annual “International Cultural Train” arrived at Peking University on November 10, and more than 6000 people hailing from countries all over the globe converged at PKU for the 21st International Culture Festival (ICF), themed “Unity in Diversity: A Joint Journey”.

Held indoors for the first time at the Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium, the ICF featured 55 cultural booths from 47 countries and regions. Students and teachers were treated to a visual feast as the venue was decked out in colorful banners and flags.


Attending the opening ceremony were leaders and representatives from the International Communication Office of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, China Scholarship Council, China Center for International People-to-People Exchange, China Education Association for International Exchange, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, and other organizations and institutions. PKU President Gong Qihuang, Vice President Fang Fang and other school leaders were also present at the ceremony.


The opening ceremony began with remarks delivered by Vice President Fang Fang of Peking University, who focused on the civilizational exchanges manifested through this cultural extravaganza. “Harmony generates and sameness stifles vitality,” Fang quoted, emphasizing the open and inclusive cultural mindset embodied by the ICF, an important platform for Chinese students to understand the world, and for international students to showcase their home cultures. 


Following him, Secretary General Yang Jun of the Chinese Education Association for International Exchange addressed the audience. Recalling previous collaborations in the Zhi-Xing China with Peking University, Yang extended great appreciation to Peking University’s excellent efforts in promoting international youth exchanges. Acknowledging the inclusive and diverse culture of ICF, he called on youths to incorporate an attitude of mutual learning and appreciation towards multiculturalism.


Student representatives also took to the stage to share their personal perspectives on cross-cultural exchanges. Master’s student Enzo from Brazil detailed his 9-year entanglement with China, during which he was a first-hand witness to China’s rapid development and a touched recipient of Chinese hospitality. French Major Li Zihan drew from experience during her exchange abroad to Sciences Po, where she exercised East-West cultural transmission as a bridge between civilizations.

The opening ceremony concluded with a vibrant dance performance by African students to a dynamic medley and a traditional costume catwalk with live chorus accompaniment to the theme song of ICF. With the lighting of the ceremonial lights, ICF officially commenced, beginning a day abound with exciting activities and cultural collisions. 





After the opening ceremony, activities at the Global Theme Park and Gourmet Plaza kicked off, fueled by the cheers of eager attendees, traditional music resonating from the booths, and enticing aromas wafting through the air.

Argentina
At the Argentine booth, it was impossible to overlook the life-size portrait of football legend Lionel Messi. Donned in sky-blue and white, colors of the Argentine flag, Zoe Anton Llado from Argentina enthusiastically introduced the country’s obsession with football. “Football unites people. In Argentina, it’s quite common to see people gathering in pubs to watch football games and of course, gathering for the celebration of victory.”

Zambia and Malawi
Gabriel Kibombwe from The Republic of Zambia captivated the crowd with his traditional attire featuring leopard prints and lion motifs. He said, “We take pride in the extremely abundant wildlife resources in our country.” Just across the aisle, the Republic of Malawi booth attracted festival-goers with the infectious music played on musical instruments uniquely crafted in Malawi. 

Finland
The festival was not just a platform for international students to showcase the charm of their civilizations, but also one for mutual appreciation of other cultures. Taika Ahonen from Finland invited people to write down their impressions of Finland on the sticky notes, which were then demonstrated at the booth. She mesmerized visitors with pictures of the breathtaking Northern Lights, and recommended to us Rovaniemi, a popular Finnish destination where people flock to witness this natural wonder. 

New Zealand
Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbits would be delighted by New Zealand’s booth, where three large maps of Middle-earth and the Shire showcased the iconic filming locations. The maps drew a crowd of enthusiasts eager to discuss their love for the films and the stunning landscapes of New Zealand that brought them to life.

Malaysia and Indonesia
At the Gourmet Plaza, long lines snaked around the Malaysian and Indonesian booths, where tantalizing dishes bursting with tropical flavours awaited. The Malaysian booth featured mouthwatering dishes like fragrant Nasi Lemak, rich Teh Tarik, and delightful traditional desserts, while  the Indonesian stall served up spicy curry snacks and zesty sambal that left festival-goers craving for more.



Reflecting the spirit of “Unity in Diversity: A Joint Journey”, the Peking University International Culture Festival celebrated cultural diversity by bringing together people from all corners of the world. As Gabriel Kibombwe from The Republic of Zambia aptly put it, “The ICF is a great opportunity for us to express and call for love and peace in different ways, to appreciate diversity.” 

Nothing showcases PKU’s rich campus culture like the annual International Culture Festival. Transcending cultural barriers, the festival fostered meaningful exchange and communication among students from all walks of life, uniting the global community at PKU.

Reported and written by: Lee Jie Xin, Gao Xinyan, Yang Yimeng
Photos by: Pralhad Gupta, Zhang Dingdan, Zhang Lingxin, Zheng Tao, Li Yijie, Xiang Yayan, Zhu Chengxuan, Wang Ziqian, Xie Jingsi, Xu Zhiquan, Xiao Fei, Dou Zi, Liu Yueling
Edited by: Wu Jiayun, Zhang Jiang