Finals of 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese proficiency competition starts in Fujian

The launching ceremony of global finals of the 23rd Chinese Bridge: Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students started in Nanping City, east China's Fujian Province, on Monday.

The event has brought together 147 contestants from 130 countries. Following the opening ceremony, the participants faced their first challenge in the finals. This contest consisted of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering a wide range of topics including China's national conditions, geography, history, economy and culture.

All of the contestants said they enjoyed learning the Chinese language and culture and had fun during the competition.

"Learning Chinese allowed me to meet friends from all corners of the country, and we gathered in Fujian. People say that Fujian is a blessed place, and we were truly happy upon arriving here. We not only tasted delicious food but also appreciated the picturesque landscapes. I will bring this happiness back to my friends in Thailand when I return," said Yang Bingxuan, a Thai contestant.

"Fujian left a deep impression on me, which I will always remember. As a student at Cuba's Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI), I am eager to learn about Chinese culture and introduce it to our country. I aspire to be a bridge between Cuba and China in the future, bringing Chinese culture to Cuba," said Rod, a Cuban contestant.

The event includes 21 days of competition and cultural experiences in seven cities in Beijing and Fujian Province. The competition formats are flexible and diverse, and the assessment content is rich and comprehensive, comprising three rounds: the bridge competition, the promotion competition, and the finals. The finals will take place in Pingtan County, Fuzhou City, in early September, where the global champion, continental champions, and first, second, and third prizes, along with individual awards, will be presented.

"The contestants will visit seven cities in Beijing and Fujian Province, where they will experience rich cultural activities and engaging competitions. These visits will provide an in-depth exploration of Chinese culture and allow them to appreciate both the charm of Chinese traditions and the rapid development of China," said Yang Guohe, vice chairman of Fujian Media Group.

Finals of 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese proficiency competition starts in Fujian

Finals of 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese proficiency competition starts in Fujian

Finals of 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese proficiency competition starts in Fujian

Finals of 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese proficiency competition starts in Fujian

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠China's self-developed floating airship Jimu No.1 successfully carried out atmospheric research over the Purog Kangri Glacier in Xizang Autonomous Region earlier this month.

The Purog Kangri, situated in Xizang's Nagqu City is the world's third-largest ice sheet and the largest outside of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Due to growing threats from global warming, meterological data collection is crucial to efforts to conserve the glacier.

Under the operation of 65 scientists, the airship managed to ascend to 6,300 meters and gather valuable data such as greenhouse gases, aerosols, and other atmospheric conditions over the glacier.

This atmospheric research was conducted during the monsoon season, when adverse weather, including thunderstorms and snow, frequently pose challenges to the research, further testing the airship's capability.

"We chose the monsoon season because the meteorological conditions are particularly complex, presenting a completely new challenge for us," said Zhao Aibin, on-site supervisor from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The data collected during this operation will significantly contribute to the understanding of the Purog Kangri Glacier's environment, helping scientists better predict changes in the region's atmosphere and climate. 

This research is expected to continue until the end of September, with the findings offering critical insights into atmospheric circulation patterns.

Chinese floating airship collects atmospheric data over world's third-largest ice sheet