A winter ball between two of the most prestigious universities in Beijing melted the chill of last weekend.

Students from the School of International Trade and Economics in UIBE awaited their guests from the Aeronautics and Astronautics School of Tsinghua University in the students’ centre at 7 o’clock, when the ball was scheduled. The party started with stirring speeches by head students from the two schools.

For many of the participants, it was their first time dancing. They learnt the basics of waltzing and practiced it with partners they’d only just met.

Despite the ball being held to enhance friendship between the two universities, it was jokingly considered to be providing dating opportunities as most of the Tsinghua guests were boys and UIBE girls.

The ball also included a talent show performed by students from both sides. And it was brought to a climax by a different kind of dancing – an upbeat disco.

Script: Christie Lee

Video: Christie Lee