On April 24, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry (ZZULI) hosted a celebration of the 16th International Chinese Language Day themed “Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space” at Dongfeng Campus. The event brought together Chinese and international teachers and students to experience the enduring charm of the Chinese language and culture. Zhang Cheng, Vice President of ZZULI, attended the event, together with representatives of relevant schools and administrative departments. Nearly 400 Chinese and international teachers and students gathered at the venue to celebrate the vibrant blend of cultures.

This celebration featured two parts including an immersive Chinese character experience and dynamic cultural performances. The Chinese character experience was held at the Library Plaza where the participants were engaged in nine Chinese character-centered interactive games such as “Oracle Bone Inscriptions Discovery”, “Idiom Pictionary”, “Floral Language Games”, “Movable-Type Printing”, “Relief Printing”, “Tea Appreciation”, “Dragon Ribbon Dance”, “Pitch-Pot Challenge”, and “Diabolo Toss”. International teachers and students took part with great enthusiasm. They said that these interactive activities were lively and fun, helping them explore the evolution of the Chinese language over thousands of years and appreciate the beauty of Chinese characters. At the same time, they learned new Chinese expressions and gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

The cultural performances took place in the school auditorium. Teachers and students from eight countries, including China, Iran, Thailand, Russia, and Morocco, as well as those joining virtually from the Confucius Institutes at Salahaddin University-Erbil in Iraq and Congolese Diplomatic Academy, all came together to present a spectacular dialogue of civilizations through diverse forms such as song and dance, recitation, short play, traditional music, martial arts, poetry reading, and Henan opera. From the Battle of Red Cliffs by Chinese and international students, to the online poetry recital Happy Rain on a Spring Night by students from Salahaddin University-Erbil, and folk opera medley Ancient Rhythms, New Voices by international students, every performance was amazing and brought roaring applause.

This event, serving as a bridge to foster deeper connection and understanding between Chinese and international teachers and students, highlighted the richness of the Chinese civilization and the human touch in the university’s internationalization strategy. It offered an immersive experience of the unique charm of Chinese culture, telling China's story in ways that were more vivid, personal, and alive.