To preserve traditional Chinese folk culture and deepen cultural exchange between Chinese and international youth, on June 6, the "Experience China"—The 16th Shanghai Region and 4th Yangtze River Delta HEIs International Students Dragon Boat Race was held at the Fengxian Campus of East China University of Science and Technology. The College of International Education at Shanghai Business School (SBS) organized a team of more than twenty international students to compete in the race. Using the dragon boat as a medium, they paddled through the waves, showcasing the youthful spirit of SBS international students on the blue waters.
On the day of the race, colorful flags fluttered and drums and music sounded along the shore of Tonghai Lake. As the starting signal sounded, dragon boats lined up on the lake and surged forward through the waves. The SBS international student team, dressed in matching uniforms, appeared energetic and full of fighting spirit. Following the rhythm of the drums, the team members concentrated their strength and paddled in perfect unison. Their boat sped across the lake, kicking up spray and becoming a striking sight.
(Photo: International students paddling vigorously)
After the race, the participating international students expressed that the dragon boat race was a highly meaningful journey of Chinese cultural experience. Linh, an international student from Vietnam, excitedly shared: "This is my first time participating in a dragon boat competition. The process of drumming, paddling, and striving forward side by side has allowed me to truly understand the cultural meaning of the Dragon Boat Festival in China, and also to deeply feel the spiritual power of unity and collective strength of the Chinese people." Through competition, they experienced the charm of traditional folk culture; through teamwork, they forged friendships and personal growth. The international students of SBS deepened their understanding of and identification with Chinese culture and spirit.
(Photo: Group photo of international students)
Over the years, SBS has actively organized international students to participate in various activities and competitions related to traditional Chinese culture, allowing them to immerse themselves in the charm of traditional folk customs. This is also an important initiative by the College to advance cultural education for international students and deepen cultural exchange between China and other countries. Looking ahead, the College will continue to cultivate the integration and development of international education and cultural exchange, enrich cultural practice activities for international students, innovate forms of exchange between Chinese and international youth, and build diverse platforms for exchange. It will guide international students beyond the classroom to immerse themselves in and appreciate traditional Chinese culture, helping them tell China's stories well and spread China's voice, while further enhancing the quality of international education and the impact of the university's global engagement.
Written by: Zhang Wen
Photograph by: Zhang Shunxin
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
