An international cultural carnival is being held on the campus of East China Normal University. Starting from November 16, the 13th International Cultural Festival has attracted thousands of international students from more than 50 countries on five continents to participate and enjoy.

As one part of the three-week festival, the Mini Expo held on the opening day showcased a collection of exquisite crafts and exotic cuisine from various countries, and international students were dressed in dazzling national costumes singing and dancing, making the campus a global bazaar.

Lei Qili, the Assistant to the President, said that the International Cultural Festival has become a symbol of the campus culture, and it is also a bright label for the international development of the school.

Over the years, the university has been progressing in its internationalization process. At present, the number of international students is more than 6,000, covering more than 130 countries.

Li Mingtao, a second year masters student from Bulgaria and majoring in International Relations, shared his Chinese story in an interview. Li said that coming to China to participate in the "Chinese Bridge" finals had made him so interested in China that he dreamt of coming here to study one day.

Currently, Li is studying hard and is also actively taking part in various campus activities like sports meetings, academic conferences, and expeditions to the countryside to see the rapid development taking place there, so as to have a deeper understanding of China in all aspects.