On the morning of May 19, the 2025 International Culture Festival of Guizhou University officially opened on the West Campus. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Liu Baochang, Deputy Director of the Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office; Bai Zhen, Deputy Director-General of the Guizhou Provincial Department of Education; Zhang Hua, Director of the Exchange Division of the Taiwan Affairs Office; Yang Wei, Party Secretary of Guizhou University; Zhang Jie, Deputy Party Secretary; and James Dai, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The opening ceremony was hosted by Wang Jinrong, Vice President of Guizhou University.
In her speech, GZU Party Secretary Yang Wei emphasized the importance of universities in fostering global understanding. She noted that Guizhou University has made the International Culture Festival a flagship event to promote international education and campus diversity. The goal is to embed the values of “inclusiveness and cooperation” in the hearts of youth from all nations through education. Through academic exchange, joint research, and intercultural dialogue, the university hopes to build bridges across cultures. She encouraged students to embrace the festival’s theme of “celebrating beauty in diversity” and experience the harmony of different civilizations during the 12-day festival.
Deputy Director-General Bai Zhen highlighted the importance of international cooperation in education. He urged students to actively engage with peers from around the world and learn from one another’s cultural traditions. He also called for strengthening the festival’s brand, expanding international partnerships, enhancing the university’s global presence in areas such as talent training, faculty development, research and academic programs, and ultimately fostering more high-caliber talents with global vision, cross-cultural competence, and innovative thinking.
During the ceremony, two new initiatives were officially launched:
The Guizhou University National Education Base, unveiled by Long Wen (Director of Student Affairs) and James Dai.
The Guizhou University Overseas Study Service Station, unveiled by Hong Yun (Director of International Exchange and Cooperation Office), Xiang Song (Director of Academic Affairs), and Yu Ying (Director of Admissions and Career Services).
Liu Baochang, Bai Zhen, and Zhang Jie witnessed the unveiling.
The opening ceremony also featured speeches from:
Professor Zhou Jingjiang (Guizhou University and UK Department of Health Mitochondrial Research Institute, former senior scientist at the Lausanne Institute),
Professor James Dai (Hong Kong Polytechnic University),
David Patrick (foreign faculty representative), and
Knooz Mostafa Mohammed Ezat Hamed (international student representative).
Students from the College of International Education and the College of Music presented multicultural performances and dances. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic lighting ceremony, marking the official start of the festival.
The festival runs from May 19 to May 30 and includes a wide range of activities:
International Education Achievement Exhibition
Global Food Carnival
Chinese Song Contest for International Students
Study Abroad Education Fair
Cross-Cultural Club Meet-and-Greet
Sharing Sessions from Returning Exchange Students
“International Students’ Night” Gala
Talent Competitions and Cross-Cultural Parties
Together, these events offer students and staff a rich, immersive cultural experience and a vibrant celebration of global diversity on campus.
Editors: Zhang Chan, Kang Meihua
Executive Editor: Li Xufeng
Chief Editor: Ding Long
Translator: Nie Xiaoxia
