An assessment of foreign middle school students’ Chinese language skills is to be held for the ninth successive year in Yunnan province from Oct 18 to 29.

The competition is expected to be the most sizable one to date, with the largest number of competitors from the most countries.

A total of 449 students and teachers from 89 countries will show their talents in learning Chinese, one of the most difficult languages.

The competition, co-held by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, is meant to spread Chinese culture and strengthen friendship among different countries.

Many aspects will be assessed, including contestants’ Chinese cultural knowledge, oral Chinese and other skills. The Confucius Institute Headquarters will sponsor the winners to study in China.

The competitors will also have a chance to visit Kunming and Hani-Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Honghe for a direct experience of Chinese culture.

By Qiu Guizhen and edited by Peter Nordinger