​Bridging Dreams Through Classics | Shenzhen MSU-BIT University Successfully Holds the 6th Chinese Classics Recitation Contest and the 1st Poetry Interpretation Contest

On September 21, as one of the key cultural events of the 28th National Promotion of Standard Chinese Language Week, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU) successfully held the finals of the 6th Chinese Classics Recitation Contest and the 1st Poetry Interpretation Contest in the Library Auditorium. Jointly organized by the University Language Committee, the Chinese Language Center, and the Student Affairs Department, this year’s event was themed “Promoting Standard Chinese, Enriching the Heart Through Classics.” The competition brought together both Chinese and international students across the university to recite Chinese classics and interpret the timeless beauty of poetry. A total of 24 entries featuring nearly 30 contestants advanced to the finals, wielding the power of poetry and prose in a captivating contest of eloquence and artistry, offering the audience an immersive journey into the essence of Chinese classical culture.

President and Deputy Party Secretary Li Hezhang, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission Chen Chaofeng, Assistant to the President and Director of the University Administrative Office Xie Huanxin, and Assistant to the Vice President and Director of the Planning and Finance Department Wan Meina attended the event. The panel of judges for the finals included Wang Wei, Head of the Chinese Language Center; Wang Manli, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Department; Associate Professor Chang Xiuling from the College of Drama, Film and Television at Shenzhen University; Professor Peng Lanyu and Associate Professor Feng Weigang from the Chinese Language Center; and Yang Yihan from the Student Affairs Department. Leaders from several faculties and centers also attended the event as honored guests.

Deputy Party Secretary Chen Chaofeng delivered the opening remarks before the competition. He noted that the profound legacy of Chinese classics is a precious source of spiritual nourishment for all. The university has successfully hosted the Chinese Classics Recitation Contest for six consecutive years, and this year’s addition of the Poetry Interpretation Contest marks not only a continuation of this fine tradition but also a further enrichment and expansion of SMBU’s commitment to cultural education. He expressed his hope that students from diverse cultural backgrounds would actively participate, experience the depth and beauty of Chinese culture, and help foster dialogue and exchange between Chinese civilization and other great world cultures, thereby fulfilling the university’s mission of promoting mutual understanding among civilizations.

The Chinese Classics Recitation Contest featured two categories — one for international students and one for Chinese students. Contestants delivered passionate and expressive recitations of classical works by renowned authors from ancient and modern times, vividly interpreting the colors of autumn, the youthful vigor of setting out in life, the melancholy over the passing of time, the yearning for peace and family reunion, the deep affection for the motherland, the heartfelt admiration for revolutionary pioneers, the pursuit of benevolence, and the steadfast faith in the path ahead. Through their emotive and spirited performances, the students guided the audience on a journey across time and culture, allowing everyone to experience the spiritual resonance and timeless beauty of Chinese classical literature.

In the Poetry Interpretation segment, students delivered insightful and engaging analyses that guided the audience across time and space, delving into the profound world of Chinese poetry. Drawing connections between the poems and their own life experiences, the participants eloquently expressed themes of patriotism, personal reflection, and emotional growth. They explored questions such as how to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace, sharing how classical poetry has profoundly shaped their perspectives on life.

After a series of fierce and captivating performances, the competition concluded with outstanding results. Nikiforova Altana from the Chinese Language Program won First Prize in the International Student Group for her heartfelt recitation of Xi Murong’s classic poem “Be the Best of Yourself.” Li Jiehan from the Faculty of Economics received First Prize in the Chinese Student Group for her powerful interpretation of Dai Wangshu’s “With My Crippled Hand.” Zhang Yuchen from the Faculty of Philology earned First Prize in the Poetry Interpretation Category for her creative and insightful analysis of Xin Qiji’s renowned poem “Po Zhen Zi.” The Faculty of Philology was also honored with the Best Organization Award for its exceptional contribution to the success of this year’s competition.

After the competition, Associate Professor Chang Xiuling and Professor Peng Lanyu delivered insightful and inspiring comments. Associate Professor Chang Xiuling remarked that she could truly feel the steady improvement in students’ recitation skills year after year, a growth that filled her with joy and pride. She also provided practical guidance on stage presence, including breath control and the use of irony in delivery, offering valuable advice for future performances. Professor Peng Lanyu praised the contestants’ performances in both the recitation and poetry interpretation categories, highlighting their excellence in “musicality of tone” and “emotional insight.” She concluded with an adaptation of a verse from “The Brocade Zither” (Jinse): “The zither’s seven or eight strings, each and every note celebrates the beauty of youth,” expressing gratitude to all participants for gathering to share in this feast of language and culture. Amid a warm yet solemn atmosphere, the 6th Chinese Classics Recitation Contest and the 1st Poetry Interpretation Contest of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University came to a successful close.

Chinese classics represent the profound spiritual essence of the Chinese nation. Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU) will continue to take the National Promotion of Standard Chinese Language Week as an important platform and use classics recitation and poetry interpretation as cultural bridges. The university remains committed to upholding tradition while fostering innovation, continuously strengthening its campus cultural brand, and fulfilling its fundamental mission of fostering virtue through education. In doing so, SMBU aims to make lasting contributions to Sino-Russian cultural exchange and mutual understanding.