Tianjin: On the evening of October 28, the global finals and awarding ceremony for the 17th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students and the 4th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students took place in Tianjin. The event was graced by officials from the Tianjin Municipal Government, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange of the MOE, along with the Kenyan Ambassador to China and representatives from the UAE's Chinese Language Teaching '100 Schools Project.' According to Ghana News Agency, the finals began with a visually stunning show titled 'Jin·Cai Hua Zhang,' where outstanding primary and secondary school students from across the globe gathered to communicate in Chinese and share their understanding of Chinese culture. After a series of rigorous selections during the overseas preliminary rounds, contestants Chitpasong Souvanhxay from La os, Irina Mei Li from Madagascar, Kuchinskaia Anastasiia from Russia, Rothschild Shiraz Palestrant from the U.S., and Blaom Oliver Garion from New Zealand emerged as continental champions, advancing to the global finals. The finals featured five rounds: 'History of the Spring and Autumn Period,' 'Books of the Qin and Han Dynasties,' 'The Lasting Appeal of the Tang and Song Dynasties,' 'Window to Modernity,' and 'The Final Showdown.' Chitpasong Souvanhxay from Laos demonstrated exceptional skills to claim the global championship. Awards were presented to participants who received individual accolades in the 4th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students, as well as those who secured first, second, and third prizes in the 17th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, including the continental champions and the global champion. In the finals, contestants such as Kiri Meier Werner from the U.S., Solo Uniacke from the UK, Frida Quetzalli Garcia Li ns from Mexico, Tessa Mir from Georgia, and her mother shared personal stories about their experiences with the Chinese Bridge competition, highlighting the growth and benefits they gained through their participation. This year, 181 primary and secondary school contestants from 102 countries convened in Beijing and Tianjin for a grand celebration of Chinese language learning and cultural exchange. Over a 15-day period filled with competitions and cultural activities, contestants explored iconic landmarks in China, such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. Contestants also experienced intangible cultural heritage, including Clay Figurine Zhang, Yangliuqing New Year paintings, shadow puppetry, and traditional opera. These activities allowed them to appreciate the development and heritage of Chinese culture and history. Additionally, contestants toured Tianjin, visiting attractions like the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel, Haihe River, the historic Wudadao area (Five Great A venues), Jingwu Town, the National Maritime Museum, and Tianjin Port, witnessing the city's inclusiveness and application of intelligent technologies. At the award ceremony, primary and secondary school contestants from around the world, together with previous champions, united in singing the 'Chinese Bridge' theme song. Through the medium of Chinese, they connected cultures, fostered lasting friendships, and strengthened global understanding of China.