Publisher: People's Daily

Date: November 12, 2024

On November 8, 2024, Jinan University in Guangzhou hosted the 5th Telling Chinese Stories in English Conference, a collaborative effort by the China National Innovation and Development Strategy Research Association, China Education Television, and New Oriental International Education Group. This year's event marks a significant rebranding, officially adopting the name Telling Chinese Stories in English Conference to better engage domestic high schools, universities, international students in China, and overseas students. The goal is to create a platform that promotes Chinese culture and fosters global exchanges.

At the launch ceremony, student representatives from Guangdong issued a call to action, inviting young people to share their hometown stories and promote Chinese narratives through innovative methods of expression. 

The conference was born from the vision of Chinese Culture, World Heritage, first launched in January 2020. Previous events have taken place in Beijing, Xi'an, Tianjin, and Fuzhou, attracting over 1.1 million participants, including nearly 10,000 international students from 135 countries. Through various formats such as recitations, speeches, and performances, the conference aims to highlight the appreciation of Chinese culture among youth globally.

(At the conference)

In August, the organizers conducted an online voting campaign to select the host city for this year's launch. After three months of voting across multiple social media platforms, Guangzhou emerged as the winner, leading to this year’s event being held at the historic Jinan University.

Xing Feng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Jinan University, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of the conference in fostering cultural exchange and international communication. He expressed hope that the event would inspire new ideas and contribute to the global dissemination of traditional Chinese culture.

As the first large-scale event in China focused on Chinese Culture, International Communication, the conference aims to enhance young people's storytelling and communication skills. Keynote speakers included Pan Weilian, an American professor at Xiamen University, and Chen Tong, a doctoral student from Hong Kong and Macao, who discussed the significance of effectively sharing Chinese stories.

(I Speak for Chinese Stories)

During the launch, the promotional video I Speak for Chinese Stories was unveiled, followed by passionate presentations from four young storytellers from various regions of China. High school and college students, along with international students, also shared their personal narratives, encouraging global youth to engage with Chinese stories.

Following the conference, over 40 city branches of New Oriental International Education Group will begin registration for participants. China Education Television will also open registration channels. The conference will feature urban, provincial, and regional stages, encouraging participants to tell their hometown stories in English. The top contestants from each stage will compete in the final exhibition of Chinese and foreign youth in June 2025.