On March 21, Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Week and the 36th Anniversary of the Construction of Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest Activity was held in the Turtle Head Park. It was hosted by Wuxi People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Some international students as representatives from Jiangnan University were invited to attend and perform in the event.
In the misty drizzle of the spring, with cherry blossoms hanging heavy on branches everywhere, the international students watched wonderful programs presented by Wuxi Song and Dance Theatre, the Japanese Embassy, the Brazilian Embassy and the art troupe of Wuxi University for the Aged and so on. For instance, the Slow, Slow Tune sung in local Wu dialect with a crystal voice reflected the elegance typical of water towns in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The music Horse Race played by Erhu was so brisk, unrestrained and passionate that the foreign students were touched by the charm of Chinese traditional culture. The international student representatives also brought diverse international elements to the activity. Bollywood, an Indian dance by students from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan livened up the scene to its crescendo with their enthusiastic performance. As the chorus of Friend by students from Pakistan, Burundi, and Bangladesh conveyed the wishes of friendship in gentle voices, the live audience of various nationalities were waving hands to each other in the warm atmosphere.
With cherry blossom for both flower appreciation and friendship, Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Week has brought near the international students and the city of Wuxi as well as their Chinese friends. It has deepened their understanding of and affinity with Wuxi and China at large while demonstrating the opening-up image. As the lyrics goes, “A word, a lifetime and a lifelong friend.” International students also become friendship envoys between China and foreign countries to promote international exchange and cooperation for building a bright future together.
Chorus Friend&Dance Bollywood
Group photo
