On October 17th, the 17th “Chinese Bridge” World Chinese Competition for Secondary School Students kicked off at the International Academic Exchange Center of Tianjin Normal University. Leaders from the Tianjin Municipal Government and the Ministry of Education’s Center for Language Exchange and Cooperation attended the event.
The opening ceremony began with an energetic lion dance performance by international students from Tianjin Normal University and the Tianjin Sports Institute, instantly energizing the atmosphere. The audience also enthusiastically applauded a lively performance that combined songs and dances by Chinese and international students from the university.
As the theme song of “Chinese Bridge” played, 113 contestants from 96 countries marched in, proudly waving their national flags.
During the start of the competition, guests and contestants participated in a symbolic activity by touching a handprint wall together, marking the beginning of their journey and lighting up the “时代答卷” (Era Answer Sheet).
Following this, attendees moved outside to the grassy area, where representatives from five continents joined Tianjin Normal University students and faculty to release eight specially designed kites symbolizing future dreams, encapsulating the theme of “Flying Dreams, Lighting up the Future.”
This competition is guided by the Ministry of Education and the Tianjin Municipal Government, and organized by the Center for Language Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education, along with the Tianjin Education Committee, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin Haihe Media Center, Tianjin JinYun New Media Group, Tianjin Satellite TV, and Wuzhou Hanfeng Educational Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. The event emphasizes “urban exploration,” using the entire city as a stage for Chinese language application and immersive practice. Through a combination of “real scene study + fun games + interactive experiences + Chinese competition,” contestants will engage with the city’s rich historical culture and immerse themselves in the realities of contemporary Chinese urban life, all while enjoying the competition.
During the contest, participants will visit various locations including the banks of the Haihe River, Smart Port, National Ocean Museum, Beijiang Museum, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nankai Middle School, Tianjin Experimental Primary School, Yueyangdao Primary School, Tianjin Arts Vocational College, Tianjin Huo Yuanjia School, Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, Wudadao, Tianjin Zoo, and the beautiful countryside of Ninghe. They will also have the opportunity to experience China through interactions with local families. This competition aims to provide young people from around the world with opportunities to understand and connect with each other, enhancing their knowledge and friendships through this cultural exchange.
(Reported by Zhao Yingyan, with photography by Dai Tao)
