An international student sings at the China Jiliang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Dec 13. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

A series of activities was recently held in Hangzhou for international students studying in Zhejiang province. The event was in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The activities, co-organized by the provincial education department, the provincial government information office, the provincial government foreign affairs office, and the Zhejiang Radio & TV Group, included a speech competition, a talent show, and a visit to the Liangzhu archaeological site. Its goal was to teach international students about traditional Chinese culture and Zhejiang folk customs and economic achievements. More than 1,000 students from over 80 countries participated in the event.

More than 80 students from 35 college and universities throughout the province were selected by their school to participate in a speech competition on Nov 16, after which two first-place prizes, four second-place prizes, six third-place prizes, and six awards of merit were handed out.

During the competition, participants shared personal stories related to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

On Dec 13, over 200 international students from 13 schools participated in a talent show at China Jiliang University, and the next day, more than 300 students from 60 countries visited the Liangzhu archaeological site, which was named a World Heritage Site in July.

The activities, held for the 13th time this year, have become a tradition among international students, showing their life and study in Zhejiang and teaching them about the local culture.

"I like the Chinese language and I have fallen in love with Chinese culture. I'd like to go back to my hometown and become a Chinese teacher after I graduate," said Ganzhina from Tajikistan, who is now a freshman at Hangzhou Normal University.

Zhejiang has seen a rapid increase in international students thanks to the development of its international educational programs. Statistics show that more than 41,000 international students are pursuing higher education in the province this year.

An international student performs kung fu at the China Jiliang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Dec 13. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]