In a recent noteworthy achievement, students from TU excelled in the finals of the 11th Zhejiang Provincial College Students’ Chinese Poetry Interpretation Competition, centered around the theme “Poetic Zhejiang”. In the undergraduate category, Wu Ziyu and Lin Zhenyue from the School of Humanities won the first prize, earning them the opportunity to participate in the national competition. Additionally, Li Yitong and Hou Yaxi from the School of Teacher Education (Physical Education) secured the second prize, while Zhu Yingduan, also from the School of Teacher Education (Physical Education), received the third prize.

This year’s “Poetic Zhejiang” competition, a newly introduced A-level competition, is a collaborative effort by the Zhejiang Provincial Language Affairs Commission and the Zhejiang Provincial Committee on College Students’ Science and Technology Competitions. It is one of the competitions in the series of contests under the Zhejiang Provincial College Students’ Classics Recitation, Writing and Speech Competition. This year, a total of 475 participants from 71 universities across the province engaged in the selection process, with 78 undergraduate contestants making it to the final round after rigorous expert evaluation.

The final round unfolded in three parts: Poetry Knowledge, Poetry Interpretation, and On-the-Spot Q&A. During Poetry Interpretation, contestants were required to present an interpretation on a poem randomly selected from the poetry database. Subsequently, during the On-the-Spot Q&A, they had to answer questions posed by the judges. The criteria encompassed the delivery of accurate knowledge, a proper interpretation of the poetic content, and the ability to connect the significance and value of the poem to personal life experiences.

Starting in May, the School of Humanities organized rounds of selections, including school-level selections, university-level competitions, and provincial-level recommendations. Throughout the training process, instructors provided guidance on classic poetry recitation, analysis, drafting interpretation scripts, and public speaking skills. Thus, our students not only lighted up the stage in the finals, but also showcased the vibrant vitality of China’s rich cultural heritage.

Language preserves the civilization and poetry elevates the mind. Poetry stands as the quintessence of traditional Chinese culture, seamlessly weaving together sound, imagery, and meaning. It is intricately connected to the human spirit, aspirations, and character. Today, our journey with classical Chinese poetry extends beyond simple recitation; it is a profound cultivation of the mind and body, fostering virtues and sparking aspirations. We look forward to more students joining this competition, embracing the classics, building poetic connections, and radiating brilliance on the stage.