Zhou Cheng, Deputy Secretary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Christiana REBIERE, Deputy Director of the French Higher Education Office; Wang Houji, President of the Overseas Friendship Association; Ouyang Shiquan, Director of the Security Office; Kang Jian, Director of the Campus Management Office; Yao Yi, Director of the Logistics Support Center; Li Mei, Secretary of the Logistics Support Center; Zhang Dandan, Executive Deputy Director of the Women’s Committee; members of the leadership team of the Student Affairs Steering Committee; Xiong Zhenhua, Secretary of the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT); Zied MOUMNI, French Dean of SPEIT; as well as leaders from other schools and departments attended the event and jointly witnessed the opening of the festival.

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     This edition of the festival was guided by the Student Affairs Steering Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Youth League Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, and hosted by the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT), with joint participation from multiple schools, student organizations, and partner enterprises. As an important flagship activity of the university’s international campus culture, the Sino-French Cultural Festival has been held for seven consecutive editions and has gradually become a major platform for showcasing Sino-French cultural exchange, broadening students’ global perspectives, and fostering an open and inclusive campus environment.

At the opening ceremony, Xiong Zhenhua warmly welcomed all guests on behalf of the institute. He noted that the Sino-French Cultural Festival serves as an important “second classroom” within SPEIT’s talent development system. It plays a key role in cultivating cultural understanding, expanding international perspectives, and strengthening shared values, while demonstrating the institute’s commitment to openness, integration, and collaborative education. He expressed hope that this edition would provide an opportunity to appreciate intangible cultural heritage, deepen cultural dialogue, and jointly write a new chapter in Sino-French educational and cultural cooperation.

     Zhou Cheng highly praised the event. In his speech, he pointed out that the festival is rooted in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage while integrating Chinese and French cultural elements. It showcases both the profound depth of traditional Chinese culture and the creativity and vitality of the younger generation. He emphasized that the university will continue to advance high-level internationalization, build platforms for intercultural dialogue, and cultivate talents capable of connecting China and the world, contributing to mutual learning among civilizations and Sino-French friendship.

     Christiana REBIERE stated that the theme “ÉCHO” vividly illustrates the resonance between Chinese and French cultures through exchange and mutual inspiration. She highlighted that the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT) is both a major achievement of Sino-French higher education cooperation and an essential bridge linking the cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking of the two countries. The festival makes this connection tangible and dynamic through youth engagement.

     The ceremony concluded with invited guests jointly launching the opening celebration.

     As the event officially began, the cultural fair and stage performances unfolded simultaneously, turning the Student Center plaza into a vibrant panorama of Sino-French culture under the spring sun.

     This year’s festival was structured around a “4+X” system, featuring four themed zones: “Épices”, “Création”, “Harmonie”, and “Oasis”, creating immersive spaces for cultural exchange.

     At “Épices”, participants explored culinary exchange; at “Création”, VR experiences and interactive challenges created an immersive exploration environment; at “Harmonie”, artistic crafts allowed participants to experience the delicate beauty of cultural fusion through hands-on creation; at “Oasis”, activities such as French pétanque and Chinese Touhu brought interactive enjoyment. The entire venue was filled with a lively and engaging atmosphere.

     The special booths also stood out with creative and culturally rich activities, allowing participants to truly experience the vitality of cultural interaction. 

     In the afternoon, performances took place by Hanze Lake. Hosts from SPEIT presented a series of performances blending Chinese and French styles. Songs, dances, and instrumental performances intertwined, where tradition and modernity complemented each other, and creativity met passion.

On stage, voices were clear and expressive, movements graceful, and music blended with lighting effects. Off stage, laughter, applause, and cheers filled the air. On this spring afternoon, Sino-French culture became a dynamic experience, illuminating each other through exchange and gaining new vitality through resonance.

     As evening light spread across the campus, the festival came to a successful close. Under the theme “ÉCHO,” the event brought together intangible cultural heritage, artistic inspiration, technological creativity, and youthful energy, leaving lasting spring memories for participants.Looking ahead, the festival will continue to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange, promoting Sino-French interaction and fostering talents with global vision, intercultural competence, and a strong sense of responsibility.