List the main cultural symbols of Russia, pronounce the name of the ruling party of China in Chinese, and explain what the word "Gazelle" means. The annual quiz "Russia-China-BSU" was held at Baikal State University. The main participants were first-year students of the BSU International Faculty. Future linguists had to answer questions from country studies, geography and cultural studies, as well as demonstrate their erudition and broad outlook.

"The purpose of the event is to immerse in the culture of China, as well as the culture of Russia, and to familiarize the guys with each other. We mix the teams among each other, organize different line-ups. The guys get in contact, and also learn a lot of facts about Russia and China," says Irina Zarubina, deputy dean of the BSU International Faculty for educational work.

More than fifty students from different fields of study of the International Faculty came to the quiz. They were placed in four classrooms of Building 10. Teachers and senior students of the faculty organized the competition themselves and prepared questions for three Russian and one Chinese team. For the fastest and most correct answer they gave award tokens. Of course, the freshmen from the Celestial Empire had the hardest time. The Kremlin, balalaika and many other things proved to be an insoluble task for them. Russian students were better prepared because they have been interested in China for a long time.

"I like Chinese writing, it's absolutely unique, it's very interesting to study hieroglyphics, to write in Chinese, to speak in Chinese, the way Chinese people name objects around. It's amazing, it's very beautiful", - shares his impressions first year BSU student Vladimir Zolotikh.

The first place was shared by several quiz leaders: Damir Gumerov, Sergey Khalzanov, Angelina Lushina and Pei Hongxing, a student from China.

This quiz is only a part of the cultural program of the International Faculty. Trips to Baikal and to the architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy", quests connected with traditions and customs of both countries are constantly held here. A new year according to the oriental calendar is awaiting.