'Chinese Bridge' series of competitions drawing more attention

China is continuously optimizing its visa waiver policies, which have already delivered tangible results and fueled a surge in international travel. More importantly, the move is helping China further strengthen people-to-people exchanges with the rest of the world.

As per Xinhua News Agency, Beijing recorded 19.35 million inbound and outbound travelers as of Nov 23, marking an 18 percent year-on-year increase. The effectiveness of these policies is also evident nationwide. In Xiamen, Fujian province, passenger numbers surpassed 5.4 million by Nov 23, including over 960,000 foreign nationals — a record high for the period.

With increasing travel, the interest in the Chinese language is also growing. And the "Chinese Bridge" series of Chinese-language learning competitions are playing a more prominent role in closing cultural differences and letting foreigners know more about China. Hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the series includes the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, the Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, and the Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students.

Since 2002, the competitions have drawn more than 1.8 million young participants from over 160 countries and regions. Each year the contests are watched by over 100 million viewers worldwide. Enjoying broad support and affection from people across the globe, the "Chinese Bridge" series has grown into an internationally renowned event celebrated in China and abroad, often hailed as the "Olympics of Chinese language learning".

The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students will be broadcast soon across the country on several platforms, such as China Education Television, Southeast Satellite TV, Strait Satellite TV, etc.

This is not merely a language competition, but rather a dialogue between civilizations, and a pathway leading to global prosperity.