Chinese Bridge Competition 2026 – Dutch Final in Rotterdam (College & Secondary Students)
Chinese Bridge Competition 2026 – Dutch Final in Rotterdam (College & Secondary Students)
Speak. Inspire. Connect.
天下一家 — One World, One Family
各美其美，美人之美，美美与共，天下大同。
“Appreciate your own beauty, appreciate the beauty of others, let all beauty flourish together — then the world becomes one.” — Fei Xiaotong
Language is a bridge that connects different worlds, and this year, that bridge brings us to the 25th edition of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for College Students and the 19th edition of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students – Dutch Finals 2026!
What is Chinese Bridge?
Chinese Bridge is an international Chinese-speaking competition that promotes cultural and educational exchange. It allows talented students to showcase their language skills, build confidence on stage, and connect with a wider global community of learners. For many participants, it becomes an inspiring step toward future academic and career opportunities.
Hosted by the Confucius Institute Maastricht in collaboration with the Nuffic China Network, the 2026 Dutch Final takes place on May 30–31 in Rotterdam, featuring two categories:
- College Students (25th edition)
- Secondary School Students (19th edition)
More Than a Competition — A Full Cultural Weekend
This year’s edition offers a full weekend of immersion, creativity, and connection in one of the Netherlands’ most vibrant and culturally rich cities. Participants will explore Rotterdam’s international character and strong ties to the Chinese community while taking part in an inspiring program.
Ready to challenge yourself? Step out of your comfort zone and join us in Rotterdam for an unforgettable, fully immersive weekend.
Across the two days, you will:
- Join several interactive workshops led by native Chinese teachers
- Explore your creativity through engaging cultural activities
- Take part in an exclusive Kungfu workshop
- Enjoy an exploration through Rotterdam’s Chinatown and experience the multicultural energy of Rotterdam
- Take the stage in the talent night
- Connect with peers who share your passion
The weekend concludes with the final competition day, open to friends, family, and visitors.
Whether you’re aiming for the grand prize, a fully funded trip to China to represent the Netherlands in the Global Final, or simply want to deepen your connection with Chinese language and culture, this event is designed to help you grow, shine, and celebrate the theme “One World, One Family.”
Speech Competition – What to Expect
The speech competition for both groups takes place on May 31, 2026.
Participants prepare:
A 5‑minute speech
- On the theme “One World, One Family 天下一家” (College students)
- On the theme “Fly high with Chinese 追梦中文，不负韶华” (Secondary school students)
Workshops and coaching throughout the weekend will help you refine your content and delivery.
Friends, family, and visitors are warmly welcome to attend the final competition day (ticket information will be available soon).
Important to Know
- Accommodation, meals, workshops, and activities are fully covered by the organizers.
- Participants arrange their own travel to Rotterdam.
- All participants take part in a talent show related to Chinese culture (music, painting, dance, martial arts, calligraphy, poetry, etc.).
- A short video submission is required for language‑level verification.
Who Can Participate?
College Student Group
You are eligible if:
- You study at a university or college in the Netherlands (18–30 years old)
- You did not grow up in a Chinese‑speaking environment
- Mandarin is not your native language
- Your speaking level is around HSK 3 or higher (no certificate required)
- You were not the 2025 Dutch Final first‑place winner
Secondary School Student Group
Ready for an adventure? Speak Chinese on stage, make new friends, and enjoy a weekend in Rotterdam full of language, culture, and fun.
What’s in it for you?
- Interactive language & culture workshops
- Exclusive Kungfu workshop
- Talent show related to Chinese culture: music, dance, calligraphy — show your skills!
- Explore Rotterdam’s vibrant city center
- Experience the excitement of competition day 🎤
Who can participate?
- You are 12–18 and studying in the Netherlands
- You did not grow up in a Chinese‑speaking environment
- Mandarin is not your native language
- Your speaking level is around HSK 2–3 or higher (no certificate required)
- You were not the 2025 first‑prize winner
What to prepare
- A 5‑minute speech on “Fly high with Chinese 追梦中文，不负韶华”
- A short video in advance (guidelines will be provided)
🏆 First Prize
A fully funded trip to China for the Global Final.
Event Details
📅 Date: 30–31 May 2026
📍 Location: Rotterdam
Questions?
📧 Contact us at info@confuciusmaastricht.nl or read the FAQ below.
Registration
Ready to join? Register before 15 April 2026 via the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the Chinese Bridge weekend?
This event is open to students in the Netherlands who meet the participation criteria:
- College students who are learning Chinese
- Secondary school students who are learning Chinese
Please refer to the event details above for the full eligibility list.
How do I register for the event?
You can register by completing the online registration form. Registration closes on
April 15, 2026 (16:00).
Where will the event take place?
The full program will take place in Rotterdam. Exact locations will be
shared with all registered participants closer to the event date.
Is participation free?
Yes, participation in the Chinese Bridge competition and weekend program is
free of charge.
What activities are included in the weekend?
The 2026 edition includes a rich program with:
- Chinese Language workshops
- Chinese culture workshops
- An exclusive Kungfu workshop
- Urban exploration in Rotterdam’s Chinatown
- The Chinese Bridge competition day
Can friends and family attend the competition?
Yes! On competition day, friends, family, and visitors are warmly
invited to join the audience and experience the stories and performances. Ticket information will be available soon.
Will photos be taken during the weekend?
Yes, we will take photos and short videos for marketing and documentation purposes.
If you prefer not to appear in photos, please inform a staff member at the event.
Please be aware that the event schedule and program may be subject to change. No rights can be derived from the information on this page.