Vietnam-China cultural exchange festival: Connecting youth through culture and the spirit of reading

On the morning of May 16, 2026, the School of Languages and Tourism under Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), in collaboration with the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, organized the Vietnam–China Cultural Exchange Festival and World Book Day 2026. The event transformed the university campus into a dynamic cultural space, bringing together thousands of students from universities and academies across Northern Vietnam. The festival highlighted the growing role and educational excellence of language-related disciplines in fostering international integration and cross-cultural understanding.

Vietnam-China cultural exchange festival: Connecting youth through culture and the spirit of reading

Strengthening cultural exchange through language and literature

The program reflected HaUI’s commitment to providing internationally oriented learning experiences while strengthening cultural understanding and connections among students in the context of global integration.

Delivering the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cam Tu Tai, Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism, highlighted the enduring value of reading culture, citing Shakespeare’s statement: “Books are the nourishment of humanity.” He emphasized the important role of books in expanding knowledge and inspiring personal development, while underscoring the significance of language and literature as bridges for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between people and nations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cam Tu Tai, Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism (HaUI), delivered the opening remarks at the event

Representing the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, Mr. Zhang Deshan, Director of the Center, highlighted the contribution of literary and cultural exchange to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and China. He noted that literary works and translated classics have played an important role in connecting cultures and promoting shared values across borders and generations. Addressing students and future language specialists, he encouraged young people to cultivate reading habits and continue exploring literary and cultural values as part of their academic and personal development.

Mr. Zhang Deshan, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, delivered a speech at the program

Academic and artistic activities highlight student talent

A range of academic and artistic activities formed key highlights of the event, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate language proficiency, creativity, and cultural understanding.

Contestants showcase their language proficiency and performance skills during the “Colours of Poetry” competition

Held at Hall A11, the “Colours of Poetry” competition brought together eight outstanding contestants from universities and colleges across Northern Vietnam. Through performances of Tang poetry, Song poetry, and Chinese prose recitation, participants demonstrated strong language skills, expressive delivery, and stage presence while bringing classical literary works to audiences in an engaging way.

Tran Y Phung from the School of Languages and Tourism, HaUI, received First Prize. Second Prize was awarded to Bui Thi Van Anh from HaUI and Phi Hong Van from Phenikaa University. Several contestants from universities and colleges across the region also received Third Prize awards.Alongside the academic competition, the “Vietnam-China Melodies” Flashmob Competition created an energetic atmosphere with performances featuring bilingual musical arrangements and creative choreography. The team from Phenikaa University won First Prize, while the School of Languages and Tourism at HaUI received Second Prize.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cam Tu Tai, Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism, HaUI, and Ms. Vi Thu Minh, Third Secretary of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, presented the First Prize award to the winner of the “Colours of Poetry” competition

Ms. Pham Thi Trang, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism, HaUI, and Ms. Tran Giang Linh, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language and Culture at Hanoi International College, presented the Second Prize awards of the “Colours of Poetry” competition

Ms. Le Hue Minh, Third Secretary of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, and Dr. Ung Thuy Linh, Head of the Master’s Program in Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry, presented the Third Prize awards of the “Colours of Poetry” competition to the following contestants: Phan Thi Phuong Thuy from Hanoi University of Finance and Banking; Dang Dinh Nghia from Hanoi International College; Nong Thi Thu from Hanoi College of Foreign Languages and Technology; Trieu Thi Khanh Ly from Hanoi Metropolitan University; and Pham Thi Kim Giang from the School of Languages, Social Sciences and Humanities, Phenikaa University.

Alongside the academic competition, the “Vietnam-China Melodies” Flashmob Competition created an energetic atmosphere with performances featuring bilingual musical arrangements and creative choreography. The team from Phenikaa University won First Prize, while the School of Languages and Tourism at HaUI received Second Prize.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cam Tu Tai, Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry, and Ms. Vi Thu Minh, Third Secretary of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, presented the First Prize award of the “Vietnam-China Melodies” Flashmob Competition to the team from Phenikaa University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cam Tu Tai, Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language at the School of Languages and Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry, and Ms. Vi Thu Minh, Third Secretary of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, presented the Second Prize award of the “Vietnam-China Melodies” Flashmob Competition to the team from the School of Languages and Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry.

Dr. Phan Thanh Hoang, Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Le, Coordinator of the Chinese Studies Program at the School of Languages and Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry, presented the Third Prize awards of the “Vietnam-China Melodies” Flashmob Competition to teams from Hanoi College of Foreign Languages and Technology, Hanoi Metropolitan University, and Hanoi University of Finance and Banking.

Interactive cultural experiences for students

Beyond the academic and artistic activities, the festival offered a wide range of interactive cultural experiences that attracted enthusiastic participation from students and visitors. The “Books and Youth” creative fair featured literary-themed displays and a bilingual message wall, providing participants with opportunities to share reflections and meaningful messages in Vietnamese and Chinese.

Students enthusiastically explored the “Books and Youth” creative fair and left meaningful messages in both Vietnamese and Chinese on the commemorative message wall

The Vietnam-China Cultural Exchange Festival and World Book Day 2026 left lasting impressions on students, faculty members, and guests through a diverse range of academic and cultural activities. The program further reflected HaUI’s commitment to creating internationally oriented learning environments that integrate academic development with cultural exchange, while strengthening language competencies, intercultural understanding, and the global perspectives needed in an increasingly interconnected world.