Jiujiang University 2026 International Culture Festival Successfully Held: Building a New Bridge Between Global Talent and Local Overseas Chinese Enterprises

JIUJIANG, China (May 23, 2026) – Jiujiang University successfully hosted its 2026 International Culture Festival today at the university's South Campus Tennis Center. Themed "Bound to Jiujiang · Bridging the World," the event brought together over 500 attendees, including Chinese and international students, faculty, and representatives from the Jiujiang City Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and other organizations.

Collaborative Education: Exploring a Win-Win Pathway

This year's festival marked a significant outcome of the ongoing collaboration between Jiujiang University and the Jiujiang City Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. The partnership aims to create a win-win pathway that aligns international student recruitment and employment with talent cultivation and reserve building for overseas Chinese enterprises, while further promoting the internationalization of the campus.

The opening ceremony commenced at 9 a.m. with a dynamic dragon dance and martial arts performance, "Dragon Dance & Martial Arts." Distinguished guests included Lei Zhiqiang, Vice President of Jiujiang University; Guo Yu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of Jiujiang City Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese; and Professor Gan Xiaojing, former President of Jiujiang University.

A Diverse Lineup of Cultural Performances

At the opening, Chinese and international students together with representatives of returned overseas Chinese presented a rich variety of cultural performances. Highlights included the classical Chinese dance “Distant Blue Mountains,” a tea art and calligraphy fusion performance “Half Mountain in the Rain,” a multilingual poetry recital “Gathering at Lushan,” a Thai dance “Thai Elegance,” a traditional costume showcase “Global Splendor,” an African drum and dance performance “Rhythms of Africa,” and a multilingual song medley “One Heart Across the World.” Among these, the song “Oh Mother!” tenderly performed by Jin Chengmei and Jin Chengyu, returned overseas Chinese from Indonesia, moved the audience with its warm melody and deep sense of home and country, earning warm applause and serving as a touching highlight of the festival.

Carnival Experience: Immersive Cultural Engagement

At 11 a.m., the Carnival International Cultural Experience session opened. More than ten national culture booths, a global food plaza, and interactive games and handicraft areas allowed Chinese and international faculty and students to engage directly, fostering mutual understanding through shared experience.

International Students Applaud: Cultural Exchange Reduces Misunderstanding and Prejudice

Several international students shared their thoughts on the festival: Muhammad Saad Yaqoob, a Pakistani student, shared that participating in the festival was a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures, and that harmonious cultural exchange acts as a bridge to reduce misunderstanding and prejudice. Tauhid Ali Lari, an Indian student, particularly enjoyed the tea art and calligraphy performances, expressing his intention to try international trade of Jiujiang tea after returning to his home country. Kheat SreyPao, a Cambodian student, noted that while both Cambodia and China value family and respect for elders, their culinary tastes and lifestyles are distinct.

Faculty Statement: Promoting Open, Inclusive, and Mutually Beneficial People-to-People Exchange

A representative from the Faculty of International Studies of Jiujiang University stated that the collaboration between the university and the Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese will help achieve a win-win situation: facilitating international student recruitment and employment while supporting talent cultivation and reserve building for overseas Chinese enterprises. This partnership will further promote the internationalization of the campus and help build an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial environment for people-to-people and cultural exchange.

The festival was hosted by the Faculty of International Studies of Jiujiang University. Co-organizers included the Lianxi District Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Jiujiang Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Youth Committee, the Jiujiang Federation of Elderly Returned Overseas Chinese and Their Dependents, the Jiujiang Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Cultural Exchange Promotion Association, and Bank of China Insurance.