Live from the 30-to-15 knockout round of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students

Pingtan, China's second international tourism island after Hainan and a vital hub for cross-Straits integration off Fujian's coast, is hosting a key stage of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students. On August 18, a knockout round was held to narrow the field from 30 contestants down to 15, drawing 155 participants from 133 countries around the globe.  

Under the theme "One World, One Family," the competition features five challenging rounds designed to test various language skills. "Writing the Characters" checks contestants' ability to write Chinese characters, with questions covering topics like the Silk Road, the ancient poem "Ode to the Goose," solar terms, and the film "Nezha." "Listening Closely" assesses listening comprehension, including content related to Wing Chun demonstrations. Other rounds, such as "Story in the Painting," "Expressing with Eloquence," and "Final Showdown," evaluate comprehensive knowledge, oral expression, and overall Chinese proficiency.  

German contestant Ke Xia'an shared her excitement, noting her interest in martial arts made the Wing Chun-related listening question a pleasant surprise. "I was encouraged by previous German participants to join," she said. "I'm looking forward to making friends with contestants from around the world, learning together, and having a great time."

Li Yusha from Madagascar expressed her long-held anticipation for the event. "I've been waiting for this competition for a long time," she said. "I hope to exchange ideas with other contestants and perform at my best."

Beyond the competition, participants will explore local attractions like Beigang Village and the 68 Nautical Miles scenic area. They will also watch the grand stage play "Pingtan Impression," which showcases the island's rich cultural heritage and dynamic development.  

The next stages of the competition will also be held in Pingtan, with the 15-to-5 semifinal and the global final to follow. In the final, the top five contestants will compete for the global championship through creative Q&A, debates, and talk shows, with continental champions and first, second, and third prizes also up for grabs.