Celebrate Beijing's Student Culture With These 3 University Festivals in May
Want to chow down on some Hong Kong street food? Watch a passionate Spanish flamenco dance? Or transport yourself to down under and hop with the kangaroos (or at least a human dressed as a kangaroo)? Then Beijing's international cultural festivals, held in unison with some of the capital's biggest universities, may be just what you're looking for.
They also make for a great opportunity for the public to connect and celebrate the vast number of cultures that call Beijing home. All events are free and family-friendly, so make a day of them by bringing a picnic blanket and lounging under the sun while students and local community groups show off the best of their organizations through performances, crafts, and cuisine.
May 12: Global Village 2018 Tsinghua World Fair
This Saturday, Tsinghua’s Zijing Playground will become a global village with 55 booths representing 47 diverse countries and regions. The opening ceremony starts at 10.20am before booths open from 11am until 5pm, where you'll be able to join in on cultural activities, take a bite of the scrumptious delicacies, and converse with the groups in their lingua franca. If you just want to watch international music and dance performances, head to the Zijing stage between 2pm and 4.30pm.
Free. 10am-5pm. Tsinghua University
May 20: The Mini Expo of the 15th World Culture Festival
Join Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) as it hosts its signature annual event that draws thousands of visitors every year. International students from 97 countries and regions across the world will present their cultures at booths dotted around the campus soccer field. Things kick off with a parade that runs from the main street of BLCU to the soccer field at 8am, followed by the opening ceremony. Performances and booths will start at 9am and finish at 5pm.
Free (tickets can be redeemed on the day at the campus basketball court). 9am-5pm. Beijing Language and Culture University
May 20: World on Campus - 2018 Beijing Normal University International Culture Festival
Beijing Normal University, located north of the Second Ring Road, also holds its International Culture Festival on May 20, which begins with a national flag parade followed by cultural performances on stage. Attendees will have the chance to explore the international booths set up by students, play carnival games, or even learn how to make a bowl of lamian (pictured above).
Free. All day. Beijing Normal University (Jingshi Square)
Images courtesy of the organizers
