2025 International Student Lawn Music Festival Successfully Held
Zongzi and Festivities, Cultures Intertwined
——2025 International Student Lawn Music Festival Successfully Held
On May 29, the International Student Lawn Music Festival, hosted by the International Education Center, kicked off beautifully by the college’s Swan Lake. Nearly 50 international students from 18 countries along the "Belt and Road" initiative gathered together, experiencing the unique charm of cultural exchange amid the fusion of Chinese Dragon Boat Festival traditions and diverse global cultures. Zhang Gexing, a member of the college’s Party Committee and vice president, attended the event.
Folk Experience: Dragon Boat Memories at Fingertips
At 4 p.m., the event began with an immersive folk experience. On one side of the lawn, chefs demonstrated the art of making zongzi on-site. The international students carefully wrapped glutinous rice, red beans, and candied dates into emerald-green bamboo leaves, feeling the warmth of this millennia-old tradition through folding and tying. Nearby, the "Elegant Archery Toss" area buzzed with excitement as students held bamboo arrows, holding their breath to take aim. Cheers erupted with every successful toss, allowing them to appreciate the refinement of Chinese ceremonial culture through play.
Cultural Dialogue: A Stage for Cross-Border Exchange
The hosts, Ren Di from Algeria and Gao Fan from Botswana, wove the cultural thread of the event through stories of the Dragon Boat Festival. The tale of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan deeply moved the audience, and the spirit of his words, "The road ahead is long and arduous, yet I will seek my path tirelessly," inspired everyone. Vice President Zhang Gexing remarked in his speech, "This event is not only a vivid lesson in traditional culture but also a bridge for mutual learning among diverse civilizations. We hope that while savoring China’s Dragon Boat Festival, students can also share their own hometown cultures, turning our college lawn into a window for global cultural exchange."
Audiovisual Feast: A Symphony of Song and Dance
Shi Aina from Namibia performed Here’s to Us, a tribute to second-year graduate students who had just completed their thesis defenses. Kong Morui from Sierra Leone brought We Lek We Salone, with adapted lyrics repeatedly singing "We love China so much," expressing the students’ heartfelt affection for China. Later, Kong Morui and He Qiaoling from Cambodia sang Farewell on the Ancient Prairie in Chinese, showcasing the beauty of classical Chinese poetry through its melodious rhythm. The African dance Waka Waka, performed by Rwandan student Mu Kaiwen and Shi Aina, electrified the crowd, prompting everyone to rise and dance, transforming the lawn into a sea of joy.
Fun Competitions: A Joyful Clash of Tradition and Modernity
Between musical performances, the archery toss competition and musical chairs sparked waves of excitement. In the archery toss, three teams focused intently, aiming precisely, with the second team clinching victory by a one-arrow margin. The musical chairs segment was full of drama, as sudden pauses in the music led to swift reactions and hilarious antics, leaving the audience in stitches.
The event also featured a special photography exhibition by international students, displaying over 50 works capturing classroom highlights and heartwarming campus moments, each offering a unique perspective on their vibrant college life. The International Education Center presented commemorative gifts to the winning students.
As dusk fell, the event drew to a close amid reluctant farewells. Yet the moments of culture, friendship, and joy will forever be etched in this warm early summer evening.
