On April 23, 2026, a date that marks both International Chinese Language Day and World Book Day, Chongqing University hosted a full day of immersive cultural events designed to advance the global outreach of Chinese language learning and build a lasting campus culture centered on reading. Held within the walls of one of the institution’s main library facilities, the gathering brought together more than 70 attendees, a diverse group that included international students hailing from countries across the globe alongside domestic Chinese learners and educators.
The event’s schedule centered on interactive activities crafted to bridge cultural divides and deepen mutual understanding through shared engagement with language and literature. Attendees took part in structured themed performances and open reading exchanges, creating space for organic cross-cultural dialogue that extended far beyond surface-level interaction. A dedicated working session focused on expanding collaborative resource sharing between Chinese and international academic study platforms, with participants diving into bilingual reading exchanges that showcased the skills of visiting international students, many of whom delivered moving recitations of classic Chinese prose.
One of the day’s most memorable discussions came from an unexpected pair: Wu Jiaming, a junior student at the university’s Meishi Film Academy, and Jeerapairojkul Supatcha, a Thai graduate student from Bangkok pursuing a master’s degree in International Chinese Education. Together, they explored how core philosophical concepts from the ancient Chinese text *Tao Te Ching* can be applied to modern everyday life, drawing connections between centuries-old wisdom and contemporary personal and professional challenges.
Following the literary exchanges, professional librarians from Chongqing University led a practical training session for attendees, introducing the group to leading authoritative literature databases spanning both Chinese and international academic collections. The session included hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge AI-powered literature search tools, with tailored guidance to help students leverage campus library resources more effectively for their research and personal reading goals.
A standout highlight of the full-day celebration was a hands-on intangible cultural heritage experience, where participants got the chance to create and fly hand-painted traditional Chinese kites. The activity gave both domestic and international students an up-close, tangible encounter with the artistry and cultural depth of long-standing Chinese traditions, moving beyond textbook learning to immersive cultural engagement.
To cap off the day’s events, organizers awarded honorary certificates to students who stood out for their contributions to performances and reading exchanges, recognizing their effort and engagement in celebrating the dual occasion. The event overall served as a vivid example of how academic institutions can foster cross-cultural connection, expand global access to Chinese language and culture, and nurture a lasting love of reading among diverse student communities.