Situated in Dunedin's Chinese sister city, Shanghai, Fudan University is one of China's three main universities and signed a memorandum of understanding with Otago University in 2010.
A high-powered delegation from Fudan, led by Prof Shen Xiaoxiao, visited Otago University yesterday to stage the Fudan University Day.
And at noon, the delegation, more than 20-strong, was greeted by a series of senior Otago University representatives, led by Prof Sarah Todd, pro-vice-chancellor, international, at the Information Services Building link.
Prof Todd said the arrival of such a significant delegation, and the extensive education exhibition and musical performances organised by the visitors, had emphasised the close relationship between the two universities.
The educational presentation ran until 4pm. A leading member of the delegation later also gave a public lecture and a civic dinner was then held in the delegation's honour.
Many Otago students had taken an interest in the educational material outlining student exchange opportunities, as well as in the musical performances, and Fudan representatives had been happy with the response, Prof Todd said.
The unscripted cross-cultural musical exchange came about 3pm, when Maori students, walking past to attend an Otago pre-graduation event, stopped and played their guitars to the visiting Chinese students, who replied with music from their own traditional stringed instruments.
In another event which was not part of the official programme, several members of a Students for Free Tibet group silently raised protest banners nearby, and said about 190 people had signed a petition promoting human rights.
