On the evening of 30 May 2025, Guizhou University’s International Culture Festival concluded spectacularly with “Five Continents @ GU for the Future,” a two-hour gala conceived, rehearsed, and performed entirely by the university’s international students. The Xishan Theatre was filled to capacity as Vice-President Wang Jinrong, deans, faculty, and more than five hundred students gathered to watch a seamless flow of music, dance, and martial arts that transformed the historic stage into a borderless village.

The first half of the evening, titled “Voices of the Five Continents,” opened with a thunderous rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by a mixed Chinese-foreign Seattle grunge tribute band. The audience was then taken on a journey across continents: Bangladeshi, Thai, and Egyptian dancers blended ancient court gestures with modern rhythms; a Russian-Azerbaijani duet celebrated centuries of shared Silk Road history; and students from five countries united to present an abridged musical retelling of the legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, which drew cheers even from those unfamiliar with the story.

Mid-show featured an interactive “Dance Power,” where the stage turned into an impromptu dance floor as performers and spectators challenged each other to various dance moves.  

The second half, “Fusion & Legacy,” transitioned from celebration to contemplation. A multinational wushu performance demonstrated how Chinese martial arts embody a broad spectrum of expression, blending strength and fluidity. Dancers from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Laos turned traditional gestures into modern movements, showcasing heritage as a living, evolving language. A freestyle football team then displayed their skills, offering a spirited homage to Guizhou’s renowned “Village Super League.”

As the house lights dimmed for the final time, Chinese and international students joined together to sing three songs: “Have a Friend Afar,” “I’m Waiting for You in Guizhou,” and “Friends.”

The anthem lingered long after the final note, offering the graduating class of 2025 a vibrant farewell and the quiet assurance that Guizhou University will always remain a home to them.

Editor: Zhang Chan, Ning Yumei

Chief Editor: Li Xufeng

Senior Editor: Ding Long

Translator: Li Xiaorong