Zhang Rong delivers an address at the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nearly 3,000 people gathered at Xiamen University's Siming campus on April 19 to mark the 17th UN Chinese Language Day and the 2026 International Chinese Language Day carnival.

Organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, the Fujian Provincial Department of Education, and Xiamen University (XMU), the event featured two primary segments — an opening ceremony and an interactive cultural exhibition.

Zhang Rong, chairman of the University Council and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that UN Chinese Language Day is a celebration of the ancient yet ever-evolving Chinese language. XMU will continue to use language and culture to tell true and multi-dimensional stories of China.

The Egyptian booth offers interactive Arabic language experiences. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International students experience traditional Chinese costumes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The exhibition grounds featured nine themed zones representing 17 countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Nigeria, and New Zealand. Highlights ranged from Malaysia's 24 Festive Drums and Lao iced coffee to Arabic language activities and Nigerian drum performances.

UN Chinese Language Day was established in 2010 to recognize Chinese as one of the United Nations' six official languages, with the date set on April 20. International Chinese Language Day, established by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, complements the UN observance by promoting Chinese language learning and cultural exchange worldwide.