Last month my older son Sam方平山 was invited to compete at the world finals of the China Bridge Chinese speech and culture competition in Beijing and Tianjin. We didn’t journey to China Bridge in a competitive mindset, but Sam方平山 ended up winning first place for the Western Hemisphere and second place for Planet Earth in the primary school division.
Last Saturday the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China invited Sam方平山 and a few other China Bridge winners to celebrate. Sam was asked to make a five minute speech, in which he talked about his experiences “growing up” in China through frequent visits, his friendship with China, and his lifelong love of the classic Chinese folk tale Ma Liang and the Magic Brush.
General Zhang Jianmin and his wife Madam Zheng Xin were in attendance, along with about 260 guests. Sam方平山 chatted happily with them in Mandarin. Counsel General Zhang told us enthusiastically about a newly opened exhibition at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum featuring the work of famed Chinese artist Qi Baishi. The following day, we acted on the Counsel General’s recommendation and had a good look at Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink.
Ever since Sam方平山 started learning Mandarin Chinese at the age of six, I have brought him to art museums and have had him practice his Chinese by offering commentary on the art. Sam方平山 obliged for this exhibition as well.
As part of the celebration at the Chinese Consulate, Sam方平山 was asked to perform the Sichuan Bian Lian “Face-Changing” dance that he prepared for the China Bridge competition. As always, his Bian Lian performance was well-received. Everyone loves a good magic trick.
Interested in the China Bridge competition? It’s a great experience for Mandarin Chinese learners of all levels of ability. I journeyed with Sam方平山 to the China Bridge competition in Beijing and Tianjin and took lots of notes and pictures. Stay tuned to tigerba.com for a complete guide on how to compete and what to expect from China Bridge.
