Sponsored by Ningbo Municipal Education Bureau and the Foreign Affairs Office of Ningbo Municipal People's Government, and organized by NingboTech University, the 11th Ningbo International Students' Festival, a four-day event, came to a successful close at NingboTech University on July 18, 2024. Aimed at facilitating international cultural exchanges, enhancing international students' understanding and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture, and showcasing the unique charm and profound cultural heritage of Ningbo, the event invited over 50 international students from Ningbo's sister cities, including those in Russia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Grenada, and Romania. During the event, the international students visited places like Tianyige Museum, the Asian Sailing Center, and Xiangshan Global Studios, which highlighted the distinctive charm of Ningbo, a historically rich and vibrant international port city.

The international students spent the first two days in Xiangshan, where they explored the spirit of the Asian Games and fishing culture, and had hands-on experiences of traditional intangible cultural heritage items like paper-cutting and fish print.

On the third day, they visited Tianyige Museum and China Port Museum, gaining a profound understanding of Ningbo's millennia-old history and modernization achievements. This visit also offered them a precious chance to appreciate the unique charm of Ningbo as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. On that evening, a concert was jointly put on by the Estonian National Opera Boys' Choir and Ningbo Singers Chamber Choir, presenting the audience with a feast of music that blended Chinese and Western elements.

On the last day, the international students visited Ningbo College of Health Sciences, where they personally experienced the culture of traditional Chinese medicine. Under the guidance of health professionals, they learned how to identify and prepare traditional Chinese medicinal materials. They also had hands-on experiences with traditional Chinese medical therapies such as acupuncture, tuina (Chinese massage), and cupping, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of TCM.

The event wrapped up with a closing ceremony held at Qixin Auditorium of NingboTech. The international students shared their insights and fond memories, creating a lively atmosphere. The 11th Ningbo International University Students' Festival has not only deepened international students' understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture but also injected new vitality into Ningbo's internationalization drive. It's hoped that in the future, more young friends from all over the world could meet and get to know each other on the vibrant land of Ningbo, and jointly write a new chapter in cultural exchanges and mutual recognition.