The Guangzhou South Campus of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of color and melody on December 6, as students and faculty gathered for the 2025 Winter Concert & International Culture Festival. From midday festivities to a concert at dask, the event offered a full day of immersive intercultural exchange.
A Global Marketplace: The Intercultural Campus Fair
Throughout the afternoon, the campus became a lively global marketplace. The Intercultural Campus Fair featured a diverse array of booths showcasing traditions from around the world. Through culinary delights, traditional craftsmanship, interactive games, and folk costumes, the fair allowed students to "travel" the globe without leaving campus. Participants moved eagerly from booth to booth, collecting passport stamps, tasting regional delicacies, and engaging in cultural dialogue with their international peers.
"The festival offered me an incredibly rich and eye-opening experience," said Sudin, an international student from Nepal. "I explored traditions and foods I had never encountered before—from Myanmar's colorful snacks to Panama's unique treats. Visiting the Korean, Lao, Vietnamese, and Indonesian booths broadened my horizons and showed me how distinctive each culture truly is."
The interactive nature of the fair was a highlight for many. Heena, an international student and host of the Winter Concert, shared her excitement: "The festival was absolutely amazing! The Vietnam booth was bursting with energy—their traditional music filled the square, and you couldn't help but move along. Seeing everyone try the Myanmar face-painting powder was hilarious and fun. I even got beautiful henna art at the Pakistan booth. Spending just one afternoon here felt like traveling around the world.”
Melodies at Dusk: The Winter Concert
As daylight faded, the Winter Concert filled the cool December evening with warmth and rhythm. A lineup of student bands, vocalists, and instrumentalists—featuring both Chinese and international talent—took the stage, delivering a mix of musical recitations, ensemble pieces, and classic covers.
The audience settled on the lawn, enjoying a shared moment of relaxation after the energetic activities of the day. For the performers, the stage was a place to overcome challenges and shine.
"We only started rehearsing three days before the concert," revealed Zhou Xiaoyun, a student performer. "The night before, I was invited to join the opening runway show for Panama's traditional clothing. I had to learn the choreography and how to move the pollera skirt gracefully all in one night. Though nervous at first, the encouragement from the Panamanian students helped me relax. By the time I stepped on stage, I felt confident and proud." Zhou's experience exemplified the event's spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange.
A Chorus of Unity
Throughout the day, the festival showcased the openness and inclusiveness that define SYSU's global vision. Cultural demonstrations and musical performances encouraged students to step beyond cultural boundaries, spark conversations, and appreciate the stories behind each tradition.
The event adds a meaningful chapter to SYSU's ongoing efforts to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and internationally engaged campus environment.
Writer: Huang Yue, Feng Xianzhe
Photographer: Pei Tuo, Wang Hanchi, Lu Pinzhao, Cui Mengxin
Video: Lu Pinzhao, Gege, Li Xinyang
