Qingdao has launched its 2026 international education week and youth exchange camp in Jiaozhou.  

Qingdao's education authorities organized the opening event on Oct 26, bringing Chinese and Russian students together for cultural performances and traditional crafts, with local primary school students staging a tea-themed performance and teachers and students from Ryazan, Russia, presenting a program combining literature and music.

After the ceremony, a cultural heritage fair offered 15 hands-on activities, including making decorative steamed buns, paper-cutting, and pottery, with Chinese and international students pairing up to learn traditional skills. Jiaozhou folk dance and martial arts performances also drew spectators.

A Russian student said a Chinese partner helped her fold, tie, and dye fabric, and she was delighted with the resulting pattern. She said making friends with Chinese students strengthened her interest in learning the language and studying in China.

Qingdao has more than 7,000 international students and over 450 schools authorized to enroll foreign students, with its kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools having established more than 500 sister-school partnerships outside the Chinese mainland.

The week-long program also includes activities that promote international understanding, such as campus visits by foreign experts, cultural outings for international students, and talent shows.

Students try block printing during Qingdao's international education week in Jiaozhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]