On May 8th, the 2014 "Chinese Bridge" preliminary round for Global Foreigners in Xiamen ended successfully at the Overseas Education College of Xiamen University. The 2014 "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Conference of the Global foreigners, sponsored by CCTV and Confucius Institute, and the Chinese Government's Chinese Language Council International, is an athletic, quiz show full of cultural flavor. The Theme of the meeting is "learn Chinese, understand China".

Performances are based on the Chinese characters and Chinese culture, take in account fun and knowledge at the same time, add the elements of life and practice, present multi-dimensional of Chinese culture, and demonstrate the foreigners’ enthusiasm in learning Chinese.

19 foreign students from five universities in Fujian Province and 2 foreign players competed. Five players were shortlisted for the rematch: Su Lan of Ireland, Wu Weian of Malaysia, Tang Mu of New Zealand, Wu Yuxiang of Germany and Russia's Aksana. Players from the Overseas Education College of Xiamen University won 2 seats to Beijing.

The Xiamen division is assessed by three experts comprehensively: Fang Huanhai, professor of the Overseas Education College of Xiamen University, Honey, host from the Xiamen music radio station "Honey Magic Show" and Huang Yubin, editor in chief of Haixi morning paper. The competition includes three links: written test, pre interview, and interview. Written test relates to Chinese language knowledge and traditional culture, while the interview focuses on the ability of listening and speaking as well as the performance on scene, which is a platform displaying style and creation. The preliminary contest attracted nearly 300 overseas students to attend. The fierce competition, witty questions and wonderful talent show excited bursts of applause from the audience.

The Overseas Education College views the "Chinese Bridge" contest as a platform to promote students culture quality and management level, and to promote Mandarin and Chinese culture.

The Central People's broadcasting station, Xiamen TV, Xiamen daily, Xiamen evening news, Haixi morning paper, the Voice of the Straits and other media all sent reporters to cover the 12 games of Chinese Conference.  Those performances will be broadcast this summer at CCTV-4 every Saturday prime time; the finals and awards ceremony will be aired on CCTV-1 at the same time.

(Overseas Education College/Internatinal College)