Beijing Normal University kicked off its 2026 International Cultural Festival and Global Learning Season on May 16, with thousands of Chinese and international faculty and students in attendance.

The event kicked off with a flag handover ceremony, as student representatives from nearly 40 countries marched in carrying their national flags. Four students from China, Vietnam, and Costa Rica served as co-hosts.

Zhuo Yao, a Russian student, shared her personal journey of studying and pursuing her dreams across BNU's Beijing and Zhuhai campuses. She described the International Cultural Festival as a bridge connecting Chinese and international communities and fostering intercultural dialogue, calling on fellow BNU students to serve as cultural ambassadors and jointly build international friendship.

Yang Zhipeng, a Chinese student, drew on his exchange experience at Korea University to share the rewards of overseas study and his reflections on cross-cultural communication. He encouraged fellow BNU students to actively tell China's stories well, contributing to mutual learning among civilizations and friendly exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

At the opening ceremony, guests and student representatives jointly promoted the theme model symbolizing cultural integration, kicking off the 2026 International Cultural Festival and Global Learning Season

Then came the cultural and artistic performance session, where students from various countries all presented a dazzling array of performances.

At the cultural exhibition, booths representing over 30 countries featured traditional costumes, exquisite handicrafts, interactive games, and authentic cuisine, offering a vivid showcase of the world's splendid civilizations and rich cultural charm.

Additionally, the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation curated a dedicated exhibition area for overseas exchange programs, showcasing a wide range of high-quality international opportunities. Through diverse formats including visual displays, on-site consultations, and experience-sharing sessions, the exhibition comprehensively introduced pathways for global development, broadening BNU students' international horizons. More than ten overseas partner institutions—including Lewis University, the University of Jena, and the Bavarian University Consortium—joined the festivities, gathering on site to jointly create a vibrant tapestry of multicultural exchange.