On December 14, Tongji University came alive with a vibrant cultural showcase at the Siping Road Campus. The 2025 New Year Bash brought together students from over 20 countries, uniting them through the universal languages of music, dance, and art. Organized by the Foreign Affairs Office, the International Student Office, and the Communist Youth League Committee, the event was hosted by the Tongji University Starry Sky Performing Arts Troupe and the International Students Association. The evening welcomed an audience of faculty, students, and guests, including attendees from neighbouring universities.
This event marked a groundbreaking moment as the first cultural performance to feature both Chinese and international students collaborating on stage. Its mission was to foster mutual understanding, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the beauty of multiculturalism.The event opened with an electrifying dragon dance performance, "A Flourishing Era of the Dragon," instantly captivating the audience. Divided into three thematic sections—"Harmony of Chinese Elegance," "Diverse Cultural Brilliance," and "Together We Can Make a Difference"—the program beautifully wove together the richness of Chinese culture with the vibrant traditions of other nations.
The "Harmony of Chinese Elegance" section began with classic songs "Blue and White Porcelain" and "The Sound of Falling Snow," taking the audience on a journey through the elegance and emotion of Chinese culture. The dance performance "Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales" showcased the beauty of nature with stunning choreography, while the song "The Red Actress" blended traditional Chinese opera elements with modern artistry. Finally, the bilingual song "What You Mean to Me" concluded the segment with warmth and harmony.
The "Diverse Cultural Brilliance" section celebrated global artistry, featuring a high-energy band performance of "We Will Rock You" and a captivating piano duet of "Tico Tico + Dolly Berceuse." Traditional dances from Nepal and a mesmerizing Peking Opera performance, "The Goddess Splits the Gate," highlighted the unique charm of traditional art forms. The finale of this segment, "One World Seven Voices," conveyed a powerful message of unity and friendship.
The evening culminated in the "Together We Can Make a Difference" section, showcasing the energy and optimism of youth with performances like "Try Everything" and "You Raise Me Up." The finale brought together all performers in a celebratory showcase of shared humanity and cultural integration.
