Shanghai transformed into a cultural crossroads on January 29, 2026, as nearly 100 international students joined Chinese educators and peers at Shanghai Library East for a dual celebration. The event simultaneously launched the 8th Shanghai Get-together Writing Contest while welcoming the upcoming Spring Festival with traditional Chinese New Year activities.
The gathering provided international participants with immersive experiences in Chinese cultural traditions while creating opportunities for deeper cross-cultural understanding. Now entering its eighth consecutive year, the writing initiative encourages foreign visitors to document their Shanghai experiences through both written narratives and short video submissions.
Marking a significant diplomatic milestone, the 2026 contest introduces a special category honoring the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations. This new award category will specifically recognize stories showcasing Sino-African friendship and cultural exchange within Shanghai’s urban landscape.
“Shanghai extends its welcome to the global community through openness and cultivates international friendships through inclusiveness,” stated Su Ling, Vice President of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. “Our commitment remains firm in building bridges of mutual comprehension and expanding our worldwide network of companions.”
Previous contest winner Ijaz Ul Haq from Pakistan reflected on his experience, characterizing Shanghai as an educational environment beyond traditional classrooms. “The city itself became my second classroom,” he noted, “where daily interactions and cultural encounters shaped my learning journey far beyond academic settings.”