Author: GUO Jun 

Publisher: China News Network

Date: May 11th, 2024

The vibrant spirit of Chinese culture and poetic expression took center stage at Jinan University as nearly 3000 participants from diverse backgrounds gathered to showcase their talents in the Poetry Competition of the 2024 Ode to China and Inherit Classics Chinese Culture Knowledge Competition Series. The grand finale, held on May 9th at the Panyu Campus, witnessed six outstanding teams from various colleges of the university captivating audiences with their poetic prowess and cultural insights.

(At the grand finale of the Chinese Culture Knowledge Competition)

In a testament to the inclusive nature of the competition, students hailing from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities came together to participate in a series of engaging challenges encompassing basic response, pairing, risk Q&A, wheel battle, and ultimate quiz. Through these stages, participants not only demonstrated their knowledge of classical Chinese poetry but also fostered camaraderie and appreciation for the rich literary heritage of China.

The winners of the Poetry Competition were celebrated for their dedication and creativity, with the team from the School of Life Science and Technology clinching the prestigious first prize. The School of Management and the Four Seas Academy secured the second and third prizes, respectively, while additional accolades such as the Excellent Award and Best Popularity Award were bestowed upon deserving teams, highlighting the diverse talents and achievements within the university community.

Pan Qiliang, Executive Director of the Panyu Campus Management Committee, presented the awards to the deserving teams, underscoring the significance of cultural activities in promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Zhang Xiaoxin, Vice President of Jinan University, commended the participants for their enthusiastic engagement with Chinese culture and encouraged them to continue exploring and sharing the beauty of traditional Chinese arts on both local and global platforms.

(Pan was presenting the awards to the team members)

The Chinese Culture Knowledge Competition Series, a hallmark cultural event at Jinan University, has been a catalyst for igniting a passion for Chinese heritage among students. With over 5000 participants engaging in diverse activities such as poetry competitions, cultural promotion weeks, and study experiences, the competition series has fostered a deep appreciation for the profound legacy of Chinese civilization and its enduring relevance in contemporary society.

Feng Jingwen, a member of the championship team hailing from Hong Kong, expressed a commitment to further promoting Chinese poetry and culture beyond the competition, emphasizing the importance of sharing the richness of traditional Chinese arts with a global audience. Her dedication exemplifies the ethos of cultural exchange and mutual learning that defines the essence of the Chinese Culture Knowledge Competition Series at Jinan University.

Since its inception in 2012, the competition series has evolved into a platform for over 60,000 students from diverse backgrounds to engage with Chinese culture through a myriad of thematic activities and events. By nurturing a deep appreciation for traditional arts and values, Jinan University continues to uphold its commitment to fostering cultural understanding and heritage preservation among students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and beyond.

Through initiatives such as the Chinese Culture Knowledge Competition Series and Chinese Talent Training Curriculum System, Jinan University remains at the forefront of promoting Chinese cultural education and heritage preservation, empowering students to become ambassadors of traditional Chinese culture in an increasingly interconnected world.

As the legacy of Chinese culture thrives at Jinan University, the Poetry Competition stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the boundless creativity of the human spirit in celebrating the richness of Chinese heritage.