The preliminary was divided into two sections, written examination and oral interview. The former focuses on the basic language skills and Chinese culture, while the interview consists of oral expression, poetry reading, cultural knowledge and talent show. The poetry reading is designed to test participants’ understanding of Chinese charactersand in Q&A part about Chinese culture, judges posted varied questions to “harrow” the participants to test their overall understanding of the culture.

After the hour-long written examination, the participants came in for interview in the order decided by a draw. In this section, participants gave performances with Chinese characteristics, such as instrument playing, standups, poetry reading, calligraphy, Chinese songs singing, as well as Chinese kungfu. Ten contestants were selected for the next round - the Internet selection in July in Beijing. BaiFei, one of five contestants from CUEB, impressed the judges and was selected for the next around representing CUEB.

Since its inception, Chinese Bridge has been serving as an international platform for overseas students in China to show their mastery of the Chinese language, Chinese culture and demonstrate their talent. It is playing an increasingly important role in promoting Chinese culture overseas. Since Worldwide Audition Notice in May, with the theme of “learning Chinese well to better understand China”, the Chinese Bridge 2016 has set up five overseas preliminary divisions in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania, and seven domestic ones in China, with online selection going on simultaneously. Assembling foreign friends who are interested in Chinese culture, the competitionhas become a grand event of cultural exchange and communication for overseas students from five continents, helping them to know China, understand and love China by learning Chinese.