On September 12, the “Speak Luohu” Foreign Language Contest kicked off in Shenzhen’s Luohu District, drawing participants from China, Egypt, the United States, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and beyond. Contestants ranged in age from 7 to 54 and included doctors, teachers, civil servants, students, and business professionals.

The contest echoed Shenzhen’s “Citizens Speak Foreign Languages” initiative, highlighting diversity and placing citizens center stage. 

With two categories—Chinese contestants speaking English and foreign contestants speaking Chinese—the event featured keynote speeches and impromptu challenges, showcasing language skills and cross-cultural communication.

Highlights included Ukrainian student Kolotnitska Yuliia, who compared Luohu to a bridge linking past and present, the mainland and Hong Kong, and China and the world; Egyptian contestant Omair Gzouly, who amused the audience with stories about learning Chinese; and Afghan siblings Siha and Saghar, who shared their daily life in Luohu in fluent Chinese.

Chinese contestants also participated. Chen Zhang, a doctor, spoke of treating foreign patients and joining international exchanges; Lu Jiaying shared her volunteer experiences; Zhang Ruijia highlighted craftsmanship in Luohu’s Shuibei jewelry industry; and Chen Runjia described the district as a window of reform and opening up, a bridge for cultural exchange, and a welcoming home for dreamers worldwide.

In the challenge round, Chinese contestants introduced local cuisine and traditional culture to foreign visitors, while foreign contestants spoke about their favorite Chinese festivals, language-learning experiences, and leisure in Luohu such as hiking Wutong Mountain.

After fierce competition, Zhang Yi won the Chinese group and Kolotnitska Yuliia took the foreign group title. “Luohu is developing its low-altitude economy. I once took a helicopter ride from Shuibei to Wutong Mountain, which inspired my topic,” Zhang said, adding that the contest helped improve her English and deepen exchanges with international friends.

A Luohu Foreign Affairs Office representative said the event not only showcased the talents of both Chinese and international contestants but also told the stories of Luohu, supporting the district’s goal of becoming a pioneer in internationalization and contributing to Shenzhen’s development as a modern international metropolis.