超越舞台：“汉语桥”文化之旅

Beyond the Stage: A Cultural Odyssey through the Chinese Bridge Competition

From August 5th to 18th, 2025, I had the incredible honor of participating in the Chinese Bridge competition, a global celebration of Chinese language and culture held in Beijing (北京) and Fuzhou (福州). Initially, I won the competition in the category of University and College students, which led to my presence at the world competition arena. Although I didn’t win the top prize in the final competition, the experience was deeply rewarding and transformative.

2025年8月5日至18日，我无比荣幸地参加了“汉语桥”世界大学生中文比赛。这项全球盛事在北京与福州两地举行，庆祝中文与中华文化的学习与推广。我首先在津巴布韦赛区夺得大学生组冠军，从而得以踏上世界总决赛的舞台。虽然最终未能问鼎最高奖，但这段经历已让我收获颇丰、焕然一新。

Our journey through China was a cultural odyssey, vividly brought to life by the iconic landmarks we explored. We stood atop the Great Wall (长城) its ancient stones stretching endlessly across the mountains, a symbol of resilience and grandeur. 

我们的中国之行是一场文化之旅，沿途的标志性景点让历史与现实交相辉映。我们登上长城，古老砖石在群山间蜿蜒无尽，象征着坚韧与恢宏。

We also wandered through the majestic halls of the Forbidden City (故宫), where imperial architecture and centuries of history whispered through every corridor.  

我们也徜徉在紫禁城的恢宏殿宇间，皇家建筑与数百年历史在每一条廊柱间低语。

We also visited the awe-inspiring Bird’s Nest Stadium (鸟巢), a modern marvel that hosted the world during the Olympics and continues to embody China's innovative spirit.  

我们还探访了令人叹为观止的鸟巢体育场——这座曾迎接世界的奥运地标，如今依旧闪耀着中国创新的精神。

Each destination was a living testament to China’s rich cultural tapestry, and experiencing them alongside fellow participants from around the world made the journey profoundly meaningful. The competition itself was vibrant and challenging, filled with performances, speeches, and cultural exchanges. While I didn’t take home a trophy, I was honored with a six-month scholarship to study in China, a gesture that affirmed my dedication and passion for the language.

每一处目的地都是中华灿烂文化的活见证；与来自世界各地的选手并肩体验，使旅程意义非凡。比赛本身活力四射、挑战重重：才艺展示、演讲、文化交流轮番上演。虽无奖杯加身，我仍荣获在华六个月奖学金，这份肯定让我的热爱与付出更加值得。

No journey through China would be complete without indulging in its world-renowned cuisine. In Beijing, we relished the iconic 北京烤鸭 (Beijing Roast Duck) crispy skin, tender meat, and delicate pancakes wrapped with sweet bean sauce and scallions. It was a masterpiece of flavour and tradition. Later, we gathered around steaming pots of 火锅 (Hotpot), dipping fresh vegetables, meats, and tofu into spicy broths while laughter and stories bubbled around the table. Each meal was more than food; it was a shared experience that brought us closer together.

没有品尝中国美食，旅程便不完整。在北京，我们大快朵颐北京烤鸭——酥脆鸭皮、嫩滑鸭肉，与甜面酱、葱丝同裹薄饼，一口下去，传统与风味齐绽放，堪称杰作。随后，我们围坐沸腾的火锅，新鲜蔬菜、肉片、豆腐在麻辣高汤中翻滚，笑声与故事随蒸汽升腾。每一餐都不只是食物，更是一场拉近彼此的共享仪式。

Most importantly, I forged friendships with amazing people from every continent. We shared stories, laughter, and dreams, building bridges that will last a lifetime.

最重要的是，我与来自五湖四海的杰出伙伴结下深厚友谊。我们交换故事、笑声与梦想，搭起将持续一生的桥梁。

Most of all, I cherish the friendships I made with people from every continent, each bringing their own stories and dreams. Together, we embodied the spirit of “天下一家”, one world, one family. As I look ahead to my next chapter in China, I carry with me the joy, the lessons, and the rallying cry that united us all 汉语桥加油！

我珍视这样的情谊——每个人都带着自己的故事与梦想。我们共同诠释了“天下一家”的精神：同一个世界，同一个家园。展望即将开启的在华新篇章，我将怀揣这份喜悦、收获与曾让我们凝聚的呐喊——汉语桥，加油！

As I conclude, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe and the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe for orchestrating this life-changing opportunity. Their support and commitment to cultural exchange made this journey possible, and I am truly thankful. 

在此，谨向津巴布韦大学孔子学院与中华人民共和国驻津巴布韦大使馆致以最诚挚的谢意。是你们的支持与文化承诺，让这段改变人生的旅程成为可能。

作者  Kudakwashe Makoni（马可尼）

编译  李丽琴

审核  Shoko