Pakistan’s Rich Traditions Take Center Stage at Guangzhou’s Asian-African Cultural Festival

On April 9, the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) in Guangzhou hosted the 3rd Asian-African Cultural Festival, turning the campus into a lively showcase of diverse traditions. Pakistani culture, in particular, received a very enthusiastic welcome from both students and staff members.

The event gathered participants from nine different language departments—including Urdu, Arabic, Korean, and Swahili—to provide a truly immersive experience. Performances such as the Asian-African Cultural Show served to illustrate the vast cultural richness found across these two expansive continents.

The Pakistan stall, curated by the university’s Urdu Department, proved to be a major highlight of the day. It featured a variety of national staples, such as chicken biryani and lassi, complemented by a display of regional handicrafts and classic ethnic wear.

Sardar Muhammad, Pakistan's Consul General in Guangzhou, visiting the Pakistan booth and speaking with Chinese Urdu students during the 3rd Asian-African Cultural Festival. (Photo: Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou)

Consul General Sardar Muhammad visited the site to interact with local students enrolled in Urdu programs, many of whom participated while dressed in traditional Pakistani clothing. He encouraged these students to serve as bridges for deepening the friendly and cooperative relationship between Pakistan and China.

GDUFS has long served as a vital center for educational and cultural exchange between the two nations. It is the only institution in South China offering an Urdu undergraduate degree, which follows a unique "Urdu + English" dual-teaching approach. Following a visit by a Pakistani "Gen Z" youth group in 2023 to discuss topics like sports and media, these initiatives continue to bolster the strong interpersonal ties between the countries.

This annual festival at GDUFS continues to thrive, offering more than just Pakistani exhibits; it also included Turkish coffee readings, East African drumming, and Persian divination. A local Chinese booth with spring-themed decorations added a regional touch to the international festivities. Students in various national costumes guided visitors, ensuring that cultural sharing happened in a spontaneous and cheerful manner.