Nearly 100 international students joined Chinese teachers and students at Shanghai Library East on Jan 29 for the launch ceremony of the 8th Shanghai Get-together Writing Contest alongside a Spring Festival celebration.

The event offered a taste of Chinese New Year traditions while offering deeper insight into Chinese culture.

Now in its eighth year, the writing contest encourages foreigners to share their experiences in Shanghai through written works and short videos.

To mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa in 2026, a special prize highlighting Sino-African friendship has been added, recognizing cross-cultural stories rooted in Shanghai.

"Shanghai welcomes the world with openness and fosters friendship through inclusiveness," said Su Ling, vice president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. "We are committed to building bridges of mutual understanding and expanding our global network of friends."

Past winner Ijaz Ul Haq from Pakistan described Shanghai as a second classroom, where everyday encounters shaped his experience beyond academics.