On September 27, Harbin Engineering University (HEU) held its 8th International Cultural Festival at the South Stadium under the theme “Joy Across Continents, Songs Resonate Worldwide.”
Vice President YU Zhiwen highlighted the festival as one of HEU’s signature events for Sino-foreign cultural exchange, noting that it has become an important platform for showcasing diverse civilizations and fostering international friendship among young people. He expressed hope that students from different countries would deepen mutual understanding through cultural interaction and grow together through the exchange of ideas.
This year’s festival offered rich, multi-level cultural experiences. The venue featured 50 national exhibition areas alongside 15 dedicated to the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of Heilongjiang Province.
The opening ceremony also marked the official establishment of the HEU International Student Alumni Association, with Vice President Yu presenting its flag.
The stage came alive with vibrant singing and dancing performances by international students.
Culinary booths offered authentic dishes prepared by the students themselves.
The Heilongjiang ICH exhibition area became a popular attraction, where artisans demonstrated traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, embroidery, and wood carving.
The campus was transformed into a “miniature global village,” with Chinese and international students exploring cultural displays, learning about traditions, trying hands-on ICH activities, tasting foods, collecting stamps from different countries, and recording their cultural journey in creative ways.
Students from five continents came together to create a “small United Nations” on campus—building bonds of friendship and weaving culture into a bridge of mutual understanding. Looking ahead, HEU plans to continue expanding opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, fostering platforms for dialogue, and ensuring that diverse cultures thrive on campus. In doing so, the university aims to cultivate globally minded talent equipped with both international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.
