Recently, the China University of Petroleum (Beijing) hosted its 9th International Cultural Festival. This year's event was themed "Hearts Embrace the World, Energy Lights up the Future".

At this festival, the booths of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan displayed the two countries' traditional handicrafts, ethnic costumes, local delicacies, and musical instruments. Students from Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, brought rattan works, traditional tube skirts, and unique snacks. Students from Pakistan and Bangladesh meanwhile presented Henna body art, distinctive head-wear, and saris, along with naan bread paired with curry and sauces for tasting. The Russian booth featured matryoshka dolls and traditional headscarves. African booths, including those representing Cameroon, Chad, and the Comoros, attracted many students and faculty members through drumming experiences and traditional totem masks. Students from American countries like El Salvador, Venezuela, and Guyana promoted their local cultures and customs through display boards, postcards, and flag stickers.

There was also an experience area centered on China's intangible cultural heritage, where visitors could write on and paint fans, color Peking Opera facial masks, make items of cloisonné enamel, and play touhu (which is a game where you aim to throw an arrow into a pot or any other container alike).

This year's festival also featured song and dance performances showcasing diverse global cultures, as well as a multicultural parade. A commemorative passport was launched, allowing visitors to collect stamps at various booths and complete an "around-the-world trip" right on campus.

(Source: Beijing Changping)