Global flavors and rhythms mark 4th PHBS International Culture Day

At one booth, a student leaned in to ask about the ingredients of an unfamiliar snack. A few steps away, a visitor laughed off a missed question before eagerly trying again during a cultural trivia quiz. Nearby, a crowd gathered as the opening notes of a traditional performance began.

These vibrant, overlapping moments defined the fourth annual International Culture Day at the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) on March 29.

Scenes from the fourth annual International Culture Day at the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) on March 29. Photos courtesy of the organizer

The festival brought together students, faculty, and visitors across 31 cultural booths representing more than 20 countries and regions, spanning Latin America, Europe, and East and Southeast Asia. Participants navigated the fair with "stamp cards," collecting unique markers as they moved between food tastings, interactive games, and cross-cultural dialogue.

“Diversity is not just about where we come from. It’s about how we come together,” said Wang Pengfei, dean of PHBS, during the event’s opening ceremony.

For many, the global culinary spread was the highlight. The menu featured a diverse array of international staples, including Italian pasta, German pretzels, Vietnamese spring rolls, Malaysian laksa, Polish sausages, and Thai milk tea. Organizers noted that the food often served as a conversation starter, leading visitors to linger and learn about the heritage behind each dish.

The afternoon’s entertainment featured a rotating schedule of traditional performances. A Russian folk dance was followed by the Khorazm Lazgi and Jayron dances from Uzbekistan. The energy shifted with the Brazilian Quadrilha as onlookers joined the dance. A spontaneous Georgian performance also drew the crowd's attention, as the dancer balanced a wine bottle on their head with poise and fluidity.

In the Chinese cultural zone, visitors sampled traditional teas and sweets or tried on heritage clothing. Elsewhere, groups queued for henna tattoos or learned the rules of international tabletop games.

As the event concluded in the early evening, organizers announced the final awards based on participant votes. The German booth took home the “Most Popular” title, while the Brazil booth was presented the “Most Memorable” award.

The day ended with winners rushing the stage to cheers, marking a lively close to the school's celebration of its international community.