From a tin of tea to Chinese champion
A German student's story of transformation showcases how learning Mandarin opened new horizons and opportunities, culminating in a prestigious global victory, Li Yingxue reports.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Bridge competition. Since overseas preliminary rounds began in February, more than 50,000 university students from over 140 countries have taken part.
A total of 157 contestants reached the global finals, joined by 131 members of observer delegations.
From Aug 5 to 23, participants traveled through Beijing and Fujian's Pingtan, Fuzhou, Zhangzhou and Xiamen. Their experiences ranged from visits to the Palace Museum and the National Museum of China to tea gardens, tulou (earthen buildings), university campuses and technology companies.
The competition itself extended well beyond vocabulary and grammar, featuring quizzes, stand-up performances, talent shows, workplace experiences and themed debates.
At the global finals, Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng said that over the past quarter-century, Chinese Bridge had grown into a bridge connecting China and the world through history, culture, science and technology, ecology and openness, while promoting friendship and mutual learning among young people.
Born in Germany in 1998, Petersen began learning the drums at the age of 8. For years, becoming a professional drummer seemed to be the path ahead.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to an abrupt halt. Performances were canceled and work opportunities disappeared. As a freelance musician in his early 20s, Petersen suddenly found himself unsure about the future.
"I was in my 20s and felt like I hadn't even properly found my footing yet. Then, almost overnight, it felt as if there was no future ahead," he says.
