Effective cross-cultural communication is essential in the contemporary globalized landscape, serving as a vital bridge for mutual understanding between China and other nations. This sentiment was echoed by both students and educators hailing from renowned higher education institutions worldwide as they convened in Zhejiang province to partake in the 2024 International Elite Universities Water Sports Open. With over 400 attendees representing more than 20 prestigious universities such as Peking, Tsinghua, Zhejiang, Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge, the event fostered cultural exchange through a plethora of immersive activities deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
John Lian, Head Coach of the Harvard University Dragon Boat Team, said the most important thing we as a team gained was just coming here to China to experience it for a lot of our teammates. It was their first time coming to China, Lian said, and he hoped that they could experience a side of China that is different than what they probably knew previously or see in the news in the United States. Participants compete in a dragon boat race at the 2024 International Elite Universities Water Sports Open, Huzhou, Zhejiang.
The inaugural 2024 International Elite Universities Water Sports Open, co-hosted by Zhejiang University and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, introduces a unique platform. The event showcases various competitions, including a 12-athlete dragon boat 200m race, a recreational kayak 200m race, and a water sports tour encompassing kayaking and dragon boat activities.
During the event's opening ceremony, Du Jiangfeng, President of Zhejiang University, emphasized the profound cultural significance embodied by the 'dragon boat.' He articulated that it symbolizes China's steadfast commitment to advancing global peace, development, and the establishment of a shared future for humanity. Additionally, international students engage in a dragon dance on the campus of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, as part of their cultural immersion experience.
Zhejiang University, a globally renowned institution, stands at the forefront in China by pioneering water sports as elective courses and fostering international exchanges through competitive events. According to Ong Kai Xuan Nicholas, a student from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the chance for students to participate in overseas exchanges is limited.
