Contestants pose for photos.

Contestants, grouped by continents, make their appearance.

90-second speech

30-second talent show

Judges for the event

12 contestants advanced to the next round.

The first round of the preliminary contest of the 14th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students was held on the afternoon of July 6 at the auditorium of Hunan Mass Media Vocational Technical Collage. Hostess of China Central Television (CCTV) Xu Li, Dean of the Confucius Institute at the Free University of Tbilisi, Georgia, Jibladze Marine and well-known actor Yue Yueli were appointed judges for the event. 47 contestants from America and Africa competed for entrance into the next round, 12 of whom passed through.

The contestants brought gifts and impassioned speeches to "Chinese Bridge", promoting the collision and exchange of different cultures.

A total of 133 contestants from 97 countries took part in this year's competition. The second and third round is slated for July 7 and 8.

Please refer to  www.enghunan.gov.cn  when using the article.

Translator: Liu Fen

Chinese source: hnrb.voc.com.cn; bridge.chinese.cn