On the morning of April 18, at the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Office of Taiyuan, international students of our university attended the launch ceremony of the 2026 Taiyuan (Provincial Capital) 12th National Fitness Theme Activity, co-hosted by the Taiyuan Municipal Party Committee, Municipal Sports Bureau, and Municipal Federation of Trade Unions. They gathered at the Celebration Square of Jinyang Lake Park with teams from municipal direct agencies and relevant units, practicing the national fitness concept through brisk walking and conveying the vibrant spirit of the city.

Our university sent 21 international students from 6 countries to participate in the national fitness activity, strolling along the designated route with local fitness enthusiasts. Blooming tulips and energetic participants along the way allowed international students to immerse themselves in the beautiful ecological environment and inclusive, friendly atmosphere of Taiyuan.

This national fitness theme activity provided an important platform for international students to participate in public social events and integrate into urban life. Through the brisk walking experience, students personally felt the vitality of China’s national fitness culture and strengthened their awareness of healthy living. Through on-site observation, they gained a close-up understanding of Taiyuan’s urban construction and ecological civilization development, further deepening their knowledge of China’s social progress.

The brisk walk was also a vivid cross-cultural exchange and national conditions practice class. As an important part of the Starlight Community international student cultural exchange activities of our university, this participation expanded channels for international students to engage in social practice and cultural experiences, strengthened their sense of identity with urban life in China, and motivated them to actively spread Chinese culture and tell China’s stories well.

Our university will continue to rely on the Starlight Community platform, enrich practical education forms for international students, create immersive cross-cultural exchange scenarios, promote mutual learning between Chinese and foreign cultures, and help cultivate more high-quality talents who know and friend China and possess an international vision.

(Text by Liu Dan, Zhang Biao/Photos by Liu Dan)