Cardiff Confucius Institute-supported learners excel in national ‘Chinese Bridge’ competitions

Students supported by Cardiff Confucius Institute have achieved impressive results in this year’s national ‘Chinese Bridge’ competitions, with awards spanning university, secondary and primary levels.

Cardiff Undergrad shines on national stage

Cardiff University student, Oliver Hassan, won second prize in the 24th ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition UK Regional Final on 5th June.

Year 4, BA Chinese student Oliver, achieved an outstanding result, reaching the final round with his performance in language proficiency, knowledge of China and cultural skills and was awarded second prize overall, emerging as runner-up in the competition.

Oliver’s success not only reflects his talent and dedication but also raises the profile of the Chinese programme at Cardiff at national and international stage. Tutors from the Confucius Institute helped Oliver to prepare for the competition and the Chinese teaching team in the School of Modern Languages all played a vital role in supporting Oliver’s journey and are incredibly proud of him.

The ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students is a large-scale international contest organised by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Education. Since its launch in 2002, this annual event has attracted more than 1.7 million college students from over 160 countries to participate, of which more than 4,500 have been invited to China to attend the semi-finals and finals. The ‘Chinese Bridge’ has become an important platform for international college students to learn more about the Chinese language and culture. It is also a bridge of understanding that links China to young people worldwide.

Professor Guoxiang Xia, Academic Director of Cardiff Confucius Institute said “As one of the top winners, Oliver will now go on to represent the UK in the global final competition to be held in China this summer. His performance has been truly exceptional, and staff at the Institute believe he is a strong contender for the global championship. We wish him luck and will continue to support him on his journey of success.”

Primary pupils impress with second place win

On 30 June, pupils from Cardiff Confucius Institute partner Ysgol Garth Olwg won second prize at Key Stage 2 at the Fifth ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Show for Primary School Students 2025 UK Regional Final.

The group of Year 6 children impressed judges with their performance of a famous children's song, The Snail and the Oriole, which they sang accompanied by rhythmic hand gestures. Representative students of the winners and their tutor and/or family will now be invited to participate in the grand Prize Granting Ceremony in London in September.

The students’ presentation, supported by their tutor Shaojuan Wan, earned them national recognition and celebrated their growing confidence in Chinese language and culture. Their success reflects not only their talent and dedication, but also the strength of Mandarin learning in Welsh schools.

Tutor Shaojuan Wan said: “The pupils were very active and positive in their practicing and participation. They are passionate in learning Mandarin and Chinese Culture. Their class teachers are very kind and supportive, always encouraging the students to participate in completions and activities on Chinese language and culture. This is a major achievement, made possible by everyone’s dedication, hard work and shared enthusiasm!”

The Chinese Bridge ‘Chinese Show’ is a national showcase that encourages primary pupils to explore Chinese language and culture through creative performance. This year, 45 pupils from six Cardiff Confucius Institute-affiliated schools took part, delivering 13 performances in total. Participating schools included Stacey Primary, Sully Primary, Ysgol Eirias, Maes-Y-Coed Primary, Abercerdin Primary, and Ysgol Garth Olwg; each making a valuable contribution to this joyful celebration of cross-cultural learning.

Congratulations to all involved, and especially to the talented young team at Ysgol Garth Olwg on their outstanding achievement. A big shout-out to Gwen Davies, Lottie Harden, Anni Gwyn, Harri Collins, Mari Morris, Sammy Al-Hasan, Betsan Evans, Logan Watts, Ella Monington and Charlie Waring!

Ysgol Eirias students reach national finals

Two pupils from Ysgol Eirias reached the UK final of the Chinese Bridge Mandarin Speaking Competition for Secondary School Students.

Jessica Thomas, a Year 12 beginner-level contestant tutored by Lyu Li from Cardiff Confucius Institute, advanced to the national final as one of just 13 selected finalists from 26 participants across the UK.

Jessica, who has been studying Mandarin for around two years and currently attends weekly HSK2 classes, plans to continue with GCSE Chinese in Year 13. Though she did not place in the top three, her progress and passion remain impressive. Jessica will be formally recognised with a participation certificate this September.

Also representing Ysgol Eirias, Year 12 Mandarin A-level student Lily Braden has developed her skills through dedicated study with Bangor and Cardiff Confucius Institutes.

With several years of learning with tutors from both institutes, Lily has shown remarkable progress in her language proficiency. Her dedication was rewarded when she secured first prize at the intermediate-high level of the Chinese Bridge Competition, under the guidance of her Bangor teacher.

Lily continues to advance her language proficiency with tutors from both Cardiff and Bangor, preparing to build on her success in the coming years.