Kunming Becomes a Hot Spot for Learning Chinese

Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province, has proven itself a magnet among overseas Chinese learners, attracting 320 students and teachers from 96 countries and regions to compete with each other in Chinese proficiency.

Held at Yunnan Normal University, the 10th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students began on Oct 17 with the champions to be announced on Oct 28.

"Learn Chinese, Double Your World", the theme of this year's event, welcomed the most contestants from the most countries in its history, with 14 countries competing for the first time.

Over 11 days, the competition will assess contestants' performance in Chinese language proficiency tests both written and oral, a Chinese culture quiz, talent show, and test of learning ability.

"Yunnan is very beautiful and it's good for me to take part in the competition. Chinese bridges us together here to broaden our horizons," said a competitor from Kazakhstan .

Another from the Congo expressed his hope of becoming a Chinese teacher, to help more children in his hometown learn the language and gain insights into China.

It's worth noting that the event incorporates elements of the Belt and Road Initiative in a bid to show Chinese Bridge's function in promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries.

Organized by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), People's Government of Yunnan Province and Yunnan Education Bureau, the event will reward the winners with financial support from Hanban for study in China.