A contestant performs a talent show during the 18th “Chinese Bridge“ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Crt Piksi/Xinhua)

　　The 18th “Chinese Bridge“ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students was held in Slovenia, where local teenagers showcased their talents through singing, art, poetry, and martial arts.

　　LJUBLJANA, May 17 (Xinhua) -- On a spring afternoon in Ljubljana, a small stage became a bridge -- one that spanned continents, cultures, and dreams.

　　In the final round of the 18th “Chinese Bridge“ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Slovenia on Friday, five teenagers stood tall, not only to compete, but to tell their stories in fluent Chinese.

　　Among them was Lucka Ficko, a high school student from Kranj, whose eyes sparkled with joy as her name was called for first prize.

　　“This is a dream I've had for years,“ she said to Xinhua. “I started watching Chinese dramas when I was 12...the more I saw of China, the more I fell in love. Today, I finally feel like my dream of going to China is within reach.“ Lucka will represent Slovenia at the global finals in China later this year.

　　The theme of this year's competition -- “Fly high with Chinese“ -- felt deeply personal for the contestants. Each participant had a different story: some were intrigued by the complexity and rhythm of Mandarin, others motivated by a love for calligraphy, kung fu, or even pandas. For some, it was the melodies of Chinese pop songs or the immersive storytelling of TV dramas that sparked their interest.