The ice sculpture of the Olympic rings and the giant snowflake at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

Being invited to attend the openingand closingceremony of Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games,international studentsfrom the International CollegeatBeijing Forestry Universitysaid that they were deeply impressed by the spectacular ceremony.

Having studied in China and knowing something about the culture, our students were particularly impressed by the LED flooring, children’s singing and dancing, the 24 solar terms of counting down, and so on. International studentsfrom the International Collegeshared their views after they took part in the Games.

Haitham Ashah said,“It was a wonderful event in which the shows were varied and distinguished by the performance, which touched the hearts of everyone and left a great impression on the aesthetics of the Olympics held in Beijing, and it deserves with all its merits to be the city for the 2022 Winter Games. Through this event, China demonstrated the unity of its people and showed the world about the development of science and technology in China, as it conveyed its voice to all countries of the world about the success of these Olympic Games.”

Ghada Abdulbaqi Mohammed, a master's student in the School of Landscape Architecture, said,“When I came to China, I knew that the 2022 Winter Olympics would take place in China and Beijing. I dreamed of attending and watching it for real, not only on TV. When I finally had the opportunity to receive an invitation to attend the ceremony, I felt that one of my dreams had come true. When we arrived, there was a beautiful and elegant welcome, and we were greeted by volunteers with beautiful smiles. Everything from the lighting and visuals to the organization was beautiful.I was amazed by this event, and it was an unforgettable day that will be engraved in my memory.”

“All the feelings oflovethat exist in this universe can't describe precisely the love I have for my gorgeousChinaand my outstanding Beijing Forestry University.Every step I took during my performance in the opening ceremony of the successful Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was dedicated for each one of you all together for a shared future that is the Spirit of this magnificent Olympics, thank you for making my dream come true.”said Majda Aoutiten, a PhD candidate, who performed on the stage of opening ceremony.

“It was an unforgettable experience that I will never forget. When we reached the Beijing Olympic National stadium and entered the stadium, I was so impressed by the amazing 3D effects. This event showed the technological development of China and the unity of Chinese people. I witnessed really beautiful and historic moments. I will always remember and it's hard to express them all in words.”said Tariq Muhammad.

Murtaza Ali, a PhD candidate from the school of Forestry said,“I was fortunate to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and I am grateful to Beijing Forestry University's International College for providing me the chance. I want to express my gratitude to the Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee for the invitation cards and tickets, such a wonderful meal, and many more gifts like self-heating material to keep us warm during all the ceremony along with other gifts. During the pandemic situation China's ability to pull out such a large event so well amazed me. The Chinese children's performances are awe-inspiring and charming. I was ecstatic to see everyone in the stadium dancing and raising their arms to the Beijing Winter Olympics anthem. After seeing the opening ceremony, I'd want to declare that my presence in that opening ceremony of 2022 Winter Olympic was one of the most unforgettable nights of my life. China is a great country.”

Mubashir Khan, a masters student from the School of Biological Science and Technology said,“In 2019 when I arrived in Beijing, I went to Beijing Olympic Park a few days later where I saw the watchtower for the first time. Back then the countdown just started and a thought instantly hit me: How wonderful would it be if I could watch the opening ceremony one day! When I finally got the chance to get invited by International College of BFU to attend the ceremony, I felt unreal.”

“Once we arrived at the National Stadium, the warm-hearted volunteers welcomed us with a big and genuine smile that made me feel like home. What I saw was completely an eye-opener. Not only were we so impressed by team of director Zhang Yimou’s crafts to turn the stage into an art gallery where technology and visuals merged, we were also very excited to be a part of the historic moment where we saw how the athletes lit up the Olympic torch with our own eyes. I was so thankful for the Chinese government, the Beijing Olympic Winter Sport Committee and the BFU for giving me the chance to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event. Despite the challenges under the COVID-19, the organization still ensured we had a wonderful experience with the careful planning. This will always be an unforgettable experience for me!”

Jack Joseph Andangfung said,“The event was a once in a life time experience for me. When culture mixes with technology there is bound to be greatness. It was a blend of the Chinese culture and 21st century technology that gave chills to everyone that attended the event. China showed the world her capabilities towards the pandemic, the event was well organized from start to finish with no delay or whatsoever. I believe China has shown the world that she can handle whatever comes her way. I want to thank the organizing committee and the volunteers for such a smooth event. Great memories are created when people come together and for me this is one of the greatest memories since I came to China in 2019. The theme of the Olympic games is‘together for a shared future’and truly what I saw in the opening ceremony is that together we can share the future and grow in our own different communities.”