As the year drew to a close and warmth filled the winter air, students and faculty gathered to celebrate a new beginning. On the evening of December 18, the “Silk Road Dreams, Shared at NEFU” 2026 New Year Gala for Chinese and International Students of Northeast Forestry University was warmly inaugurated in the Science Auditorium. Wang Shaosong, Director of the Division of Foreign Cooperation and Exchange of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education, along with heads of relevant university departments and faculty and student representatives from various schools, attended the event and enjoyed the cultural feast alongside international students from more than 20 countries, including Russia, Indonesia, and Tanzania.

The gala was jointly organized by the School of International Education and Exchanges and the School of Economics and Management. It opened with a spectacular dance by Chinese and international students, in which the elegance of Eastern classical rhythms blended seamlessly with the passionate steps of diverse world cultures, instantly igniting the atmosphere. With cultural integration as its central theme, the gala featured a rich variety of artistic forms, including singing, dancing, poetry recitation, and a fashion show. Students from China and abroad took to the stage together, presenting vibrant ethnic songs and dances full of exotic charm that highlighted the diversity of world cultures, as well as creative performances that combined classical aesthetics with modern elements, showcasing the profound heritage and contemporary vitality of Chinese culture.

Indonesian students captivated the audience with a song-and-dance performance infused with tropical flair, vividly showcasing their distinctive cultural appeal. Students from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea expressed their deep love for their homeland through “My Motherland in Sunshine.” Students from the School of Economics and Management delivered an energetic “Whiplash,” radiating youthful vitality. Guest performances by students from Harbin Institute of Technology and Harbin Engineering University added further brilliance to the evening. As different cultures met and resonated on stage, each performance became a bridge connecting hearts and conveying friendship, earning enthusiastic applause. The gala concluded with all faculty and students joining in a heartfelt rendition of “I Love You, China.”

The event also honored outstanding individuals and teams with awards, including Outstanding International Student, Arts and Sports Award, Outstanding Volunteer, Social Practice Award, Academic Excellence Award, and “2025–2026 International Student Promotion Ambassador in China.” Distinguished guests presented recipients with certificates of honor.

Held annually, the New Year Gala for Chinese and International Students is not only a vibrant stage for showcasing students’ talents but also an important platform for deepening friendships and promoting mutual learning and cultural exchange, thereby contributing to the ongoing narrative of people-to-people exchanges at Northeast Forestry University.