The 2019 Mandarin Excellence Programme, sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, the British Council, and the UCL Institute of Education, is held at Yunnan University from July 5 to 18. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

The 2019 Mandarin Excellence Programme, sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, the British Council, and the UCL Institute of Education, was held at Yunnan University (YNU) from July 5 to 18.

A total of 75 teachers and students from three British high schools participated in the event, aiming to improve their Mandarin and experience Chinese culture. 

During the two-week activity, participants practiced their Mandarin through a series of activities with the help of Chinese volunteers. Activities included shopping, taking the subway, and asking for directions in Chinese. 

They also visited some famous scenic spots in Yunnan province, conversed with their Chinese partners, and learned how to square dance, an exercise routine performed to music in squares and other public areas in China. 

During the closing ceremony, Zhao Guocheng, vice-director of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, and Li Chenyang, vice president of YNU, delivered speeches. Students and teachers talked and held performances. 

According to the organizer, the Mandarin Excellence Programme is part of the Confucius Institute Headquarters’ drive to extend opportunities and access to Mandarin for young foreigners. This year, over 800 British high school students and 100 British teachers participated in the event.

The 2019 Mandarin Excellence Programme, sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, the British Council, and the UCL Institute of Education, is held at Yunnan University from July 5 to 18. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Zhao Guocheng, deputy director of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, delivers a speech at the closing ceremony of the Mandarin Excellence Programme at Yunnan University on July 18. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]