Ever wondered what the Chinese Bridge Competition is all about? It’s an exciting global event that has been bringing together students from all over the world since 2002. The competition aims to inspire non-native speakers to learn Chinese and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Organized by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), the event features several rounds, testing participants on their Chinese speaking, cultural knowledge, and talent performances.
Before making it to this global stage, Sithara Maduwanthi Herath, a third-year student from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, majoring in Business and Academic Chinese, had already proven her skills in two local competitions in Sri Lanka. Her journey began when she won the Undergraduates' Talent Competition, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, which was held among the university's undergraduates. Her impressive performance earned her a spot in the 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Competition for Foreign University Students – Sri Lanka, an inter-university competition's Final Round in 2024, organized by the University of Colombo. There, Sithara continued to shine, securing 2nd place in the Speech Contest, 3rd place in the Talent Competition, 2nd place in the Written Test, and ultimately winning 1st place in the overall competition. This remarkable success paved the way for her to represent Sri Lanka in the 23rd “Chinese Bridge” World Championship, where she showcased her skills on the global stage.
Following her impressive local victories, Sithara earned the opportunity to compete in the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" World Championship. On September 2, 2024, this global event brought together talented students from around the world—147 contestants from 133 countries and territories—covering various aspects of Chinese culture, history, language, and talent in a variety of forms. In this competition, Sithara competed with great passion and skill, proudly representing Sri Lanka. Her deep language abilities and cultural knowledge impressed everyone at this esteemed global event, cementing her place as a standout contestant.
Now, if we move on to the global competition, it is not only a competition; but also, an opportunity for participants to experience and enjoy Chinese culture and visit famous landmarks in China. The competition process took place alongside sightseeing, allowing contestants to immerse themselves in the beauty of China while showcasing their skills.
Day 1: Exploring the Forbidden City and Fun Activities
On the first day, Sithara started her adventure by visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, one of China’s most famous landmarks. As she explored the ancient city, she admired the history and stunning architecture that showcased China’s rich culture. She also joined in fun activities with other contestants, taking part in traditional Chinese cultural practice
Day 2: The Great Wall, Olympic Stadiums, and Cultural Heritage
The second day was equally exciting, as Sithara had the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China, a symbol of China's historical strength. She also explored the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium and the Beijing National Aquatics Center, iconic structures from the 2008 Summer Olympics. These visits allowed her to experience China's modern achievements alongside its ancient landmarks. In the afternoon, she visited the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, where she participated in fun activities such as painting and trying on traditional Chinese clothing, further deepening her appreciation for Chinese culture.
Day 3: Immersing in Chinese Tea Culture in Fuzhou
On the third day, Sithara traveled from Beijing to Fuzhou in Fujian Province, where she explored the marvelous world of Chinese tea. She visited a local tea factory, learning about the tea-making process, the varieties of tea, and how tea plays a central role in Chinese culture. After this immersive experience, she took part in an MCQ examination as part of the competition, testing her knowledge of the Chinese language and culture.
Day 4: Performance Day and Cultural Activities
This day was performance day, where Sithara took center stage to showcase a traditional Sri Lankan dance on the global stage. Her performance captivated the audience and highlighted her cultural diversity. Afterward, she participated in Chinese paper-cutting activities, tried various traditional Chinese foods, and enjoyed the soothing sounds of Chinese traditional music, all of which added to her enriching cultural experience.
Day 5: Written Exam, Kung Fu, and Reality Show
After her cultural performances, Sithara took the written exam, an important part of the competition. Later in the day, she watched impressive kung-fu performances and even tried out a few kung-fu moves, which helped her connect more with Chinese traditions. The excitement continued as she participated in a reality show to select the top 50 finalists from 150 contestants.
Final Day: Recognition and Farewell
After the final reality show, Sithara's hard work and dedication were rewarded with a certificate of honor for her outstanding performance in the competition. She was also awarded a scholarship to study in China for one semester, a recognition of her excellence in both language and cultural knowledge. The journey concluded with a visit to the beach in Pingtan, where all the contestants bid each other a heartfelt goodbye, having formed lasting friendships and cherished memories during their time in China.
Sithara's success is a result of the strong Chinese language skills she developed at the University of Kelaniya. She has become a role model for other students at the university who dream of going to China. The Chinese Bridge Competition was not just a language contest but also a vibrant journey filled with "happiness." It provided Sithara with the unique opportunity to connect with competitors from across the globe, exchange cultures, and forge deep, lasting friendships. As she proudly represented the University of Kelaniya, we are extremely proud of her remarkable achievements.
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