New Dawn by the Spring: International Guests Celebrate New Year in Jinan

【Jinan, January 2, 2026 (JICC)】At the beginning of the new year, the "Spring City" Jinan is filled with a festive atmosphere of joy and harmony. On New Year's Day, the School of International Education of Shandong Normal University organized a cultural gala with the theme of "Chinese Legacy Merges with Four Seas, Glorious Traditions Radiate Five Continents". According to the Jinan International Communication Center, friends from multiple countries including Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Kenya, and Brazil gathered with Chinese friends to welcome the New Year and immerse themselves in the profound cultural heritage and open, inclusive Jinan style.

At the event, participants from home and abroad joined hands to experience the profound essence of fine traditional Chinese culture through a diverse array of activities. The Chinese-style dance The Peach Blossom Spring, paired with a Chinese poem recital by international students, unfolded a magnificent cultural scroll spanning millennia amid graceful dance moves and rhythmic chants. The instrumental performance Dunhuang took the audience on a journey through time, allowing them to marvel at the splendid and integrated civilizations along the Silk Road. These performances not only showcased the charm of Chinese art but also conveyed international friends’ deep understanding and sincere appreciation for Chinese culture.

The venue was brimmed with a lively atmosphere, resonating with joyful cheers celebrating the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures. A passionate African dance, an elegant and graceful Vietnamese dance, a dynamic Thai dance, and a sweet and vibrant Korean dance were staged in turns, presenting a vivid microcosm of world cultures. Foreign and Chinese friends also jointly presented a song medley and collaborative dance performances, building a bridge of spiritual exchange through music and dance steps and demonstrating the power of youth, friendship and solidarity.

The event came to a warm conclusion with the chorus of We Are All Dream Chasers. In Jinan, a famous historical and cultural city, friends from various countries took culture as a link and the festival as an opportunity. They not only felt the warmth of home and the joy of the festival but also deepened their recognition and love for Chinese culture through personal experience. This gathering was not only a celebration of New Year's Day, but also an unforgettable memory of Jinan, vividly interpreting the harmonious vision of "One World, Shared beauty".

徐颜钰