To build a dynamic platform for cultural and linguistic exchange and to guide international students in experiencing the development of contemporary China and the cultural charm of Changzhou through language practice, the preliminary round of the 2025 "I Love Changzhou" International Student Chinese Speech Contest was held at our school on the afternoon of November 28. Zhang Guojun, Director of the Foreign Affairs Management Division of the Changzhou Municipal Government Foreign Affairs Office, along with Third-Level Principal Staff Member Zhang Wenjuan, Wang Jieming, Business Manager of the Changzhou International Exchange Center, and Wei Bijun, Operations Supervisor of the same center, attended the event to observe and offer guidance.
Marking our school's first participation in this competition, the event featured 17 international students from countries including Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. They took the stage to eloquently share their personal stories and connections with Changzhou in Chinese.
Centered on the theme "I Love Changzhou," the contestants delivered passionate speeches. Misa from Tajikistan referred to Changzhou as her "second hometown," vividly recounting warm encounters in the historic Qingguo Alley and the city's vibrant innovative spirit. Xiaoyue from Kyrgyzstan began with "the tip of the tongue," sharing how local delicacies like soup dumplings and Changzhou sesame cakes gave her a sense of belonging, winning enthusiastic applause especially when she concluded with the authentic local phrase "Zangang!" (太棒了!). Another contestant, Shaokang, performed with a guitar, skillfully weaving the melody of the classical poem "How Can I Not Think of Her?" with imagery of the ancient canal and the warmth of the city's lanes. The speeches ranged from touching on historical culture and envisioning a future in intelligent construction to recounting heartwarming local foods and acts of kindness, with genuine emotion transcending language barriers.
After intense competition in both prepared speeches and impromptu Q&A sessions, the winners were announced: two first prize, three second prize, five third prize, and seven consolation prize awards. The two first-prize winners will represent our university at the city-wide final, scheduled for December 18 at Changzhou University.
In his concluding remarks, Director Zhang Guojun fully affirmed the contestants' performances. He encouraged the finalists to further refine their speech content and delivery skills to showcase an even higher standard at the final. He emphasized that the contest is not merely a language proficiency exercise but also a bridge promoting mutual understanding and in-depth exchange between Chinese and international youth. He warmly invited all international students to attend the final, hoping they would further immerse themselves in and grow to love Changzhou by experiencing the charm of the Chinese language and its cultural ambiance.
The successful hosting of this preliminary round vividly demonstrated the positive, proactive, and integrative spirit of our international students and reflected the school's active achievements in cultivating global talent and promoting cultural exchange. Looking ahead, our school will continue to expand platforms for multicultural exchange, innovate in Chinese language teaching methodologies and practical approaches, and is committed to nurturing a group of globally-minded youth ambassadors who truly understand China, feel connected to Changzhou, and are dedicated to fostering friendship.(By Pan Tingting; Photos by Xu Yutao; Reviewed by Guo Jiarui; Approved by Zhao Ya'nan)
