From Aidoghie Paulinus, Harbin, China

Saturday, June 3, 2017 would ever remain evergreen in the minds and hearts of the different peoples, dwelling in Harbin, the capital and largest city of Heiliojiang Province in the Northeastern Region of China.
It was a day hundreds of people from different backgrounds converged on the Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China, to celebrate the diverse cultures of the world.
From statistics, over 2000 students from 120 countries showcased their culture during the event held in the cold weather.
The event, the third of its kind, was the ‘Third International Cultural Carnival of the Harbin Institute of Technology. It was entitled ‘Creating new development opportunities along the Belt and Road, making a common progress towards a win-win Goal.’
It’s an annual event, but the glamour that the students of the prestigious institution, including students on exchange programme, brought into the carnival, had turned it into a spectacular event of high calibre.
From Asia to America, Africa to Europe, the whole world came together under one roof in the name of culture and in the city famously referred to as ‘Ice City,’ ‘Oriental Paris,’ ‘Oriental Moscow,’ and ‘The Pearl on the Swan’s neck.’
Various displays of cultural varieties were in abundance, just as Harbin tasted assorted continental cuisines. At the various stands, local fabrics of different cultures and household items were on display.
At the Swedish stand, for instance, a photo of a priest officiating a gay marriage was on display, followed by the inscription: ‘Welcome to Sweden culture.’
Speaking with Daily Sun, the Director, College of International Education, Harbin Institute of Technology, Mr Mike Liu, said the entire event centred on the culture of the various international students at the institution.
According to Liu, “the International Cultural Carnival of HIT has been hosted since 2015 and has become the impetus for the integration of mutual culture. The Carnival encompasses culture and talent exhibition, as well as represents the most influential Sino-foreign cultural exchange which has built a spiritual home for Chinese and International students.”
Liu also noted that more than 2000 students from 120 countries participated in the event.
Liu further said the theme of this year’s carnival – Creating New Development Opportunities along the Belt and Road, Making Common Progress towards a Win-win Goal – which was presented by culture and talent exhibition, showed the diverse charms of the international students’ native culture which, he noted, also fostered international and Chinese students’ exchange.
He added: “Expanding the characteristics of international education is embodied in our efforts in promoting the worldwide reputation and influence of Harbin Institute of Technology and as well as improve the internationalisation of campus construction and make contributions to one Belt and One Road initiative.”

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