As summer arrives at NEFU, the university celebrates the richness of time. On June 21, the 10th International Cultural Festival of Northeast Forestry University (NEFU) opened with the theme “Ten Years of Integration, Building the Future Together.” The event brought together performances by both Chinese and international students, cultural exhibitions from multiple countries, an exhibition of Heilongjiang’s intangible cultural heritage, student creative works, and international cuisine. Thousands of teachers and students from over 30 countries and regions participated, reflecting on ten years of cultural integration and exchange, while celebrating the diversity that resonated throughout the event.

Ten Years of Expansion: A New Beginning

Liu Shouxin, Vice President of NEFU and Standing Committee Member of the University’s Party Committee, delivered the welcome speech. He stated that ten years ago, the university began the International Cultural Festival with the intention of “letting the world hear the voice of NEFU,” planting the first seed for what has since blossomed into a “tree of civilization” that has flourished with vibrant branches. Over the past decade, NEFU’s internationalization efforts have yielded significant results. Liu expressed hope that through this cultural festival, young people from both China and abroad would deepen their understanding of diverse civilizations, enhancing mutual learning and enriching stories of intercultural connection.

Wang Shaosong, Director of the Foreign Cooperation and Exchange Department of the Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, also spoke at the opening ceremony. He emphasized that this year’s cultural festival was not only a lively display of the achievements of cross-cultural exchange over the past decade, but also a collective vision for building a bright future together. He expressed hope that through this platform, students from all over the world would become practitioners of cultural dialogue and builders of bridges of friendship.

Former Deans Qiao Fenghe and Luo Ying of NEFU’s School of International Education and Exchanges recorded video messages for the event, expressing their heartfelt thoughts and well wishes as witnesses and promoters of NEFU’s international education initiatives.

During the opening ceremony, two new education and practice bases for international students—the China (Harbin) Forest Museum and the Liangshui Experimental Forest Farm—were officially inaugurated. These additions further expand NEFU’s platform for educating international students about China’s national conditions.

Coinciding with graduation season, the university also awarded certificates to outstanding graduating international students and alums representatives, wishing them success in their future endeavors worldwide. These graduates were encouraged to continue to serve as bridges, spreading the spirit of NEFU globally.

A World of Music and Dance

In the cultural performance segment, Chinese and international students from institutions such as Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin Normal University, Heilongjiang University, and Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine took the stage, showcasing their talents in a diverse range of artistic expression. The event featured Southeast Asian dance, “Bắc Bling,” African “Bongo Dance” with its passionate beats, the romantic Indonesian song “Keroncong Protol,” and the melodious Russian “White Nights,” which echoed the long winters. NEFU’s Wushu Association showcased the power and grace of Chinese kung fu, while students from Aulin College brought dynamic and fluid modern dance performances. Every rhythmic beat became a note in the dialogue of civilizations, with youthful energy captivating the audience.

A Feast of Global Flavors

This year’s International Cultural Festival featured over 50 exhibition booths representing more than 30 countries. The displays and foods, including handcrafted items and authentic hometown delicacies, were a feast for the senses. Many students lined up at various booths, immersing themselves in a melting pot of cultures. To promote a deeper understanding of Chinese traditional culture, the festival also featured booths displaying Heilongjiang’s intangible cultural heritage, such as Straw Weaving and Gourd Pyrography. Teachers and students from both China and abroad engaged with intangible heritage experts, learning about and exploring the rich and diverse folklore of the region.

The event also showcased the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition of the NEFU International Cultural Festival, which revisited ten years of cultural integration, highlighting the university’s continuous commitment to international education, telling China’s stories, and promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning.