The first preliminary round of the 2025 "I Love Changzhou" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreign Students is held at Changzhou No 2 High School. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_1f30bcc77dad]

The first preliminary round of the 2025 "I Love Changzhou" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreign Students was held on Nov 10 at Changzhou No 2 High School. Eighteen students from nine countries, including Italy, Denmark, Norway, and Canada, participated in the competition.

Eighteen students from nine countries, including Italy, Denmark, Norway, and Canada, take part in the competition. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_1f30bcc77dad]

The participants shared personal stories from their city lives, including experiences with learning, friendships, travel, and daily events. They also reflected on Changzhou's history, culture, tourism, cuisine, scenery, and local traditions in their speeches, sharing heartfelt insights about their bond with the city.

This year's contest includes 11 preliminary divisions hosted at 10 universities and high schools. First-place winners from each division will qualify for the citywide finals, which will take place on Dec 18 at the West Taihu campus of Changzhou University.