International Day celebrates diversity and belonging

Videos by Jian Zheng and Shao Jingfeng

A vibrant celebration of global culture was held at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) on April 10 as “International Day 2026: Welcome to Wonderland” brought together more than 2,000 students and faculty for an immersive, cross-cultural experience.

Co-hosted by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the International Students’ Association (ISA), the event transformed the campus into a lively “international theme park,” blending food, performances, and interactive activities to showcase the richness of cultures from around the world.

Participants from more than 40 countries and regions gathered to share traditions and flavors. The food zone featured 10 themed stalls representing cuisines from five continents, offering a “journey around the world on the palate.” From East and Southeast Asia to South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, visitors sampled authentic dishes while experiencing the cultural connections that transcend borders.

Participants pose for a group photo on campus. Photos courtesy of CUHK-Shenzhen

Students share a moment in front of a food stall.

Beyond cuisine, four immersive zones — PLAY, INTERACT, EXPRESS, and CREATE — offered hands-on cultural engagement. Visitors tested their knowledge through games such as identifying countries by currency or landmarks, practiced multilingual greetings, and recorded cross-cultural messages with new acquaintances. Creative workshops allowed participants to explore cultural expression through activities like writing in Kazakh script, crafting Japanese carp streamers, and designing Thai-style floating lanterns.

As evening fell, the celebration reached its peak with a dynamic stage performance. More than 50 international students delivered energetic dance routines set to popular global hits, followed by a diverse lineup of performances representing cultures worldwide. A DJ after-party energized the crowd, turning the campus into a lively dance floor. Notably, several performers from APEC economies highlighted regional cultural ties through their artistic expressions.

The three-hour event drew thousands, with bustling crowds, long queues at food stalls, and laughter echoing across activity zones. More than a cultural showcase, ISA International Day fostered a sense of unity and belonging, where identities extended beyond nationality and participants connected as individuals.

CUHK-Shenzhen’s OSA said they will continue working with student organizations to promote internationalization and inclusivity on campus, creating meaningful platforms where students from diverse backgrounds can feel at home.