Huaqiao University of Foreign Languages (HQUFL) hosted its 13th International Cultural and Arts Festival in Changchun, the provincial capital of Jilin province, on May 23.

With the aims of appreciating cultural differences and promoting arts from all over the world, this year's conference features the Belt and Road Initiative and the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy.

International students dressed in traditional Chinese costume carry Chinese knots during the opening ceremony of the 13th International Cultural and Arts Festival of Huaqiao University of Foreign Languages in Changchun, Jilin province on May 21. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

A total of 11 troupes consisting of students from various departments staged distinctive performances and all departments designed characteristic exhibitions on world history, economy and culture.

At the opening ceremony on May 21, a group of international students staged a Chinese martial arts show mixing wushu, tai chi and dragon dancing.

A 2-minute mini play was a highlight of the festival. Lin Jiayi, a freshman majoring in English and Spanish, created it to commemorate Zhang Qian, an explorer and Silk Road opener in China's Han Dynasty (202 BC -220 AD), who traveled westward on a mission of peace and opened an overland route linking East and West, a daring undertaking which came to be known as Zhang Qian's journey to the Western regions.

Students in Japanese Kimono at the opening ceremony of the 13th International Cultural and Arts Festival of Huaqiao University of Foreign Languages in Changchun, Jilin province on May 21 [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

"As students in foreign languages majors, we are obligated to contribute to the Belt and Road construction and serve as a bridge of cultural exchange between China and the outside world," Lin said.

According to the university, the festival will last until June 10 and include lectures by prominent experts and performances by professional art groups. Students will also participate in a wide range of activities such as a singing contest, a dance show and a debate competition.

The event, which was initiated in 2006, has grown into the university's biggest-ever, most far-reaching and distinctive activity embodying Huaqiao culture.

Students in Korean Hanbok dance at the opening ceremony of the 13th International Cultural and Arts Festival of Huaqiao University of Foreign Languages in Changchun, Jilin province on May 21 [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

As a significant platform for learning, practice, communication and exhibition, the Festival not only values cultural integration and cultivation of talent, but also expresses an education-centered philosophy, enriches university culture and plays a critical role in enhancing professional expertise, promoting artistic taste and broadening student horizons.

The festival not only improves the students' academic studies but also enhances their ability to organize and innovate, according to Miao Jing, assistant to the university’s president.