On the afternoon of May 16, 2026, the 9th International Cultural Festival of Shenzhen University grandly opened on the southern lawn of Yuehai Campus. 

In his opening speech, Chao Naipeng, Vice President of Shenzhen University, noted that as one of the most popular signature events among faculty and students, the International Cultural Festival not only provides a platform for friendly exchanges between Chinese and international youth but also serves as a vivid microcosm of the collision and integration of diverse civilizations. This year coincides with the APEC "China Year," and the university has actively responded to the national call by setting up a special APEC Cultural Zone. Through cultural exhibitions and youth interactions, the festival enables Chinese and international students on campus to "see Asia-Pacific, understand Asia-Pacific, and engage in dialogue with Asia-Pacific."

On the stage, a cross-cultural dialogue spanning mountains and seas slowly unfolded. From the magnificent performances of the traditional dragon dance Prosperous Dragon and dance Youth Song presented by the Affiliated High School of Shenzhen University, to the gentle and touching Fishing Song by the City University of Macau, and then to the vibrant musical dance drama Gathering Once Again by the Shenzhen University Affiliated Foreign Language Primary School, the modern vitality of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area came alive. Meanwhile, the tea-picking opera Liu Er and Fourth Sister, presented by the Ganzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, made a stunning appearance with its melodious tunes, bringing the thousand-year cultural heritage of the red land in southern Jiangxi to the stage. As international students dressed in traditional costumes from various countries walked gracefully to the rhythm of drums, and as the Shenzhen University International Choir sang Together as One, the infectious power of music intertwined with the beauty of costumes, vividly illustrating the profound meaning of "respecting the beauty of each culture and celebrating the shared beauty of all."

After the opening ceremony, a variety of interactive activities began. In front of the country-themed booths meticulously set up by international students, teachers, and citizens wandered through with their event "passports," tasting authentic cuisines and taking part in fun games to collect stamps and stickers representing different countries, immersing themselves in exotic cultures.

Meanwhile, on the main stage and at the flash mob area, performances by international student bands, song and dance acts, recitations, and guqin (ancient zither) performances took turns captivating the audience, injecting boundless energy and vitality into the event.

To date, the Shenzhen University International Cultural Festival has been successfully held for nine years. It not only provides a stage for Chinese and international students to showcase themselves and pass on their cultures but also opens a window for the university's faculty, students, and the public to understand the world and embrace diversity. Through a rich variety of activities, Chinese and international students have enhanced their friendships through exchanges and deepened their mutual understanding through interactions, jointly painting a beautiful picture of cross-cultural mutual learning.