12 finalists were selected in the preliminary stage to charm the audiences with their beautiful performances on the stage of the Cross-Straits Center of Guoxue.

One of the performance ‘O China, My Beloved Homeland’

The reading materials are picked from poetry, prose, famous reading notes and classic poems. The participants extolled traditional Chinese virtues by reading , reciting, performing, writing, singing praises to patriotism, filial piety, integrity of the Chinese people and other great Chinese social values.

(Role-playing of a lyric poem named “Manjianghong”(Red Color Covers the Whole River) by Yuefei, a famous general in Song Dynasty)

At the backstage, a scene of poetic poise was aroused by groups of participants in ancient costumes. Lin Li, a teacher from Chenzhong Primary School said that the students had turned up early to school to prepare for their performance in hope that they would be in their best condition for the competition.

The Reciting of Poem “Manjianghong”

Through their whole-hearted recitation and performance, the Chinese classic masterpieces were vividly brought to life on stage, winning rounds of applause from the audience.

Yu Xiaoyan, one of the judges from Pingtan Times praised that the performance by the children was ‘awesome’.

Role-playing of the Ballad of Mulan(A story about a daughter named Mulan who took the place of her old father for expedition war during the Nanbei Dynasties)

Lin Xiaofeng, a teacher representing Pingtan No.1 High School said that it is helpful for students to recite Chinese classics to improve their language literacy. “We hope to narrow the distance between Taiwan and the Chinese Mainland by tracing back both Straits to its origin.”

Xue Wenhao, a participant from Chenzhong Primary School recited Ode to the Lotus Flower for us. “I like these classic Chinese masterpieces very much.  Taiwan school students are also learning the same literature pieces which indicates that we come from the same ancestry. Traditional culture is becoming more popular now due to activities like these, I have learned so much from this activity!” said Xue.