Ulan bator: In the early morning of Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, 19-year-old Mongolian university student Enkhbat arrives early at the examination venue for the Chinese Proficiency Test, ready to assess his Chinese language skills.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Enkhbat, in his sophomore year, aims to evaluate his Chinese proficiency in preparation for studying abroad. Originating from Khentii Province, his parents are herders, and a chance encounter spurred his interest in the Chinese language. During a summer 2023 trip to Ulan Bator with his father to sell cashmere products, they met a Chinese businessman. Due to the absence of a translator, neither Enkhbat nor his father could understand the businessman, leading to an unsuccessful negotiation and his father's regret.

That pivotal day, his father encouraged him, saying, "You need to learn Chinese when you go to university." Consequently, Enkhbat chose to major in Chinese at university, with plans to further his studies in Shanghai after graduation. He noted the vast market in China and the significant potential for China-Mongolia trade.

Currently, a growing number of young Mongolians are showing an interest in learning Chinese. Cheng Shengli, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the National University of Mongolia, highlighted that among foreign language learners in Mongolia, those studying Chinese rank second after English.

There are 18 national primary and secondary schools and over 40 private schools offering Chinese courses in Mongolia, with more than 150 other schools planning to introduce Chinese language programs. The Confucius Institutes at the National University of Mongolia and the Mongolian State University of Education, along with several Confucius classrooms and teaching centers, have become crucial platforms for Chinese language education and cultural exchange between China and Mongolia.

Khishig Chinese Language Comprehensive Secondary School in Ulan Bator has implemented Chinese language courses. Teacher Jiyaa observed that students enjoy learning Chinese, singing Chinese songs, and following Chinese television dramas, leading to significant improvements in their language skills.

The "Chinese Bridge" contest, a proficiency competition for foreigners, has also boosted Mongolian students' enthusiasm for learning Chinese. Middle school student Hulan from Tsaikhun Secondary School in Darkhan-Uul Province expressed that the contest reflects her progress in Chinese and reveals the language's hidden treasures.

Over the years, many students in Mongolia have shown a deep enthusiasm for the competition, viewing their preparation and participation as valuable opportunities to enhance their language skills.

Cheng emphasized that the "Chinese Bridge" is more than just a competition; it serves as a gateway for Mongolian students to immerse themselves in the Chinese language, experiencing the language's beauty and the vast opportunities for cultural exchange between the two nations.