International students sing traditional Chinese songs at the Tenth Zhejiang Provincial International Student Talent Show on Dec 12. [Photo by Xin Zhicheng]

More than 240 international students in Zhejiang gathered at Zhejiang University of Technology on the evening of Dec 12 to give performances of various Chinese traditional arts at an annual event for cultural exchange in the province.

Centered on a theme of "The Dream Trip in Zhejiang", international students from 60 countries and regions showed off their talent in singing and dancing, Xiangsheng (the Chinese equivalent of stand-up comedy), opera and other Chinese traditional art forms to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Zhejiang Provincial International Student Talent Show and to express their love for Chinese culture.

The event carried a purpose of enriching international students' cultural life, and now it has gradually developed into a showcase for the charm of Chinese culture.

Some performers' interest in Chinese culture was developed from childhood. Chen Zhen, a Turkish student at Zhejiang Normal University, said he watched a movie about Chinese Kung Fu at the age of seven, which triggered his interest in Chinese martial arts. His Chinese name is also the same as one of China's martial arts masters. Chen took the role of a lion's head for the lion dance at the show.

The Congolese host of the show said that for him, the event was not only a chance to experience Chinese culture, but also a platform for sharing happiness in Chinese learning.

As an annual activity for cultural exchange, the Zhejiang Provincial International Student Talent Show is co-organized by the provincial Department of Education, the Information Office of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government, the Department of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs in Zhejiang and Zhejiang Radio & TV Group.

The active participation of international students is a reflection of the rapid development of Zhejiang's international education base.  

A traditional opera performance is given by international students in Zhejiang on Dec 12. [Photo by Xin Zhicheng]

The lion dance, a highlight of the talent show in Zhejiang on Dec 12. [Photo by Xin Zhicheng]