Global top 30 contestants in rehearsal

The 23rd Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students is set to reach its climax in Pingtan, as the global top 30 contestants are announced and prepare for the intense preliminary and final rounds.

On August 29, these talented individuals converged on Pingtan Island to compete in the top 30 to top 5 preliminary rounds, battling for the coveted spots in the final round. The preliminary round will thoroughly assess the contestants' Chinese language mastery, cultural knowledge, and cross-cultural communication abilities through three challenging rounds. The first two rounds use a points system to select the top performers from each of the five continents, while the third round will feature a 1V1 speech competition to determine the continental champions who will advance to the final stage.

One of the contestants, Brazilian participant Shuai Enzhe, whose life took a dramatic turn after learning Chinese since 2016, shared his journey: "After returning to Brazil, I abandoned my original major in aerospace engineering to pursue international economic relations, and I fell in love with a Chinese girl, experiencing a cross-border romance." Shuai views Chinese not only as a tool for communication but also as a bridge connecting him with Chinese culture and friends. He looks forward to improving his Chinese level in the competition and hopes to continue his studies in China.

South Korean contestant Li Zhengji, influenced by her family since childhood, has been intertwined with Chinese culture. She has been learning Chinese since primary school and spent memorable years studying in China. "In preparing for the written test, I practiced hundreds of questions daily, focusing on strengthening my weaker areas," she said, expressing her love for Chinese culture and cuisine and her aspiration to become an excellent translator or bilingual host in the future.

German contestant Li Huanxin, who embarked on a journey to learn Chinese in Quanzhou nine years ago, out of love for the language and a desire to challenge herself, received her Chinese name there. "My Chinese name was given by the couple I stayed with during my time in Quanzhou. Li is their surname, and Huanxin is because they wished me constant happiness and joy. They treated me like their own daughter and their three younger sisters treated me like an older sister," she recounted. This kindness and warmth have motivated her to master Chinese, and she looks forward to making new friends, improving her Chinese skills, and using the language as a bridge for seamless communication with her Chinese "family."

The competition spans 21 days filled with competition and cultural experiences, featuring three rounds of challenges: the preliminary round, the preliminary final, and the final round. The preliminary and final rounds will be hosted in Pingtan, where the global champion, continental champions, and various prize winners will be selected.

During their stay in Pingtan, 147 contestants from 130 countries and regions will visit popular scenic spots, experiencing the natural beauty and profound cultural heritage of Pingtan.