The Pingshan round of the 2025 "Speak Shenzhen · Link the World" English Contest was held on September 13 at Pingshan Cultural House. Centered on the theme "Pingshan Voices Speak · Future Ideas Spark," the event featured 17 participants from local schools, universities, and workplaces sharing their stories about Pingshan in English.
The event aimed to enhance the language environment and support the district's development as an innovative and international urban area. It was organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Pingshan District, with support from Nanfang Daily (Shenzhen) Operating Co., Ltd.
In his remarks, Hu Zheng, Deputy Director of the Pingshan District Committee Office, highlighted English as both a tool for communication and a medium for expressing cultural identity and urban spirit.
The judging panel included Xie Hongzhou from South of Nanfang Media Group, Wu Wei, Associate Professor at Shenzhen University, and David Perkins, an English teacher from the U.S. The judges praised the contestants for their language skills and compelling storytelling.
Centered on the theme "My Pingshan Story," participants shared personal experiences that highlighted the district's advancements in technology, ecology, culture, and urban development—showcasing Pingshan's energy and promise as a "District of the Future."
The contest featured both youth and adult categories. In the adult group, Xie Tao, a teacher from Shenzhen Technology University's College of Foreign Languages, took first place. In the youth category, Xie Ruixi from Shenzhen Senior High School (East Campus) and Jiang Mingfang from Guangzu Middle School shared the top prize.
Adult category winner Xie Tao remarked, "Hearing so many vivid, personal stories about Pingshan told in English was inspiring. This is a place where technology and culture thrive together. As a teacher, I always encourage students to tell China's stories in English—this experience has deepened my belief in the power of language."
Contestant Li Jiazheng shared, "This was my first English-speaking contest. It was challenging but rewarding. This stage isn't just for professionals—it's for anyone who wants to connect with the world through English."
Xu Zhiqi, a student from Shenzhen Senior High School (East Campus), added, "Preparing for the contest helped me see how much Pingshan is growing. I hope to use my English skills to share its stories with the world."
Reporter | Cai Minling
Photo | Zhu Hongbo, Chen Zicong (intern)
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
