December 5, 2025, Changsha – The 2025 International Culture Festival of Hunan College of Foreign Studies (HCFS), coupled with the autumn welcome ceremony for new international students, was grandly inaugurated on December 5. Held under the theme "Connecting the World, Launching Careers through Vocational Excellence," the festival embraced a broader vision by aligning with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

The opening ceremony gathered college leadership, distinguished domestic and international guests, and the entire campus community. In his address, Chairman Ning Ping warmly welcomed the new cohort of international students and guests. He reviewed HCFS's 32-year commitment to its "Vocationalization, Marketization, and Internationalization" development path, which has established the college as a key window for international educational exchange in Hunan Province.

▲ Speech by Chairman Ning Ping

The ceremony then unfolded into a vibrant cultural gala. Performances included the song "You and Me" and the dance "Gathering at HCFS" by international students, a graceful Chinese fan dance "Drunk in Spring Breeze," dynamic dragon and lion dances, a traditional Moroccan dance "Welcome to Morocco" presented by students from Morocco, and culminated in a heartwarming faculty choir performance of "We Are the World."

A significant rite followed, where college leaders presented school badges to new international student representatives, formally welcoming them into the HCFS family.

President Yan Guohua officially declared the festival open, highlighting its pivotal role in the college's internationalization strategy. The ceremony concluded, marking the start of a week-long cultural feast.

▲ President Yan Guohua announces the opening of this year's International Cultural Festival.

The festivities continued with a highly anticipated International Culture Fair. Featuring an unprecedented scale, the fair hosted 24 country and region pavilions and ten themed interactive stations showcasing Chinese cultural experiences. Armed with customized cultural "passports," students embarked on a global journey, sampling authentic cuisines and participating in hands-on activities.

International Culture Exhibition Zone

Chinese Culture Exhibition Zone

Throughout the week, the festival also hosted a series of events including themed lectures, student salons, film screenings, and an international reading week, all designed to consolidate its role as a lasting platform for fostering global dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.