Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to China as part of the prestigious Chinese Bridge (Hanyuqiao) competition.

It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of Chinese culture.

The competition, held in Tianjin (with a brief stay in Beijing), brought together 113 students from 96 countries worldwide, all united by a shared passion for the Chinese language and culture. Representing Burnside High School and the South Island was both an honor and a thrill!

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was exploring iconic landmarks. Each day was packed with activities, leaving no time to rest as we moved from place to place. From walking the Great Wall to standing in awe at the Forbidden City, I felt deeply connected to the rich history surrounding me. Another highlight was the cultural exchange activities—we learned traditional Chinese art forms, practiced tai chi, and even tried our hands at making dumplings (though mine turned out more "creative" than edible!).

The competition itself was intense but incredibly rewarding. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, from delivering speeches in Mandarin to performing a Chinese dance and answering rapid-fire cultural trivia.

What surprised me most, however, was the sense of community. The students, volunteers, and teachers were amazing, and it was heartwarming to see how language and culture can bring people together, breaking barriers and building connections. I’m still keeping in touch with many of them! While I didn’t win a prize in the competition, I feel like I won so much more by meeting incredible people from all corners of the globe.  A highlight of this journey was receiving a one-semester scholarship to study Chinese at a university in China, covering all in-China costs, including tuition, accommodation, and living allowance—a dream opportunity to continue my cultural and linguistic exploration. This competition has left me with a deeper appreciation for the Chinese language and culture and the determination to tackle future challenges. 

I’m incredibly grateful to my teacher Ms. Feng and Chinese Language Assistant Esme for their unwavering support and encouragement, as well as to my mum for joining me on this journey. A special thanks to the competition organizers for their incredible generosity in covering all travel costs for both of us during the 16-day event. I couldn’t have imagined a better closing act for my time at Burnside High School.

追梦中文，不负韶华  - Fly high with Chinese!

Miya So-Beer (Year 13)