"Learning Chinese is a journey that begins with challenges but concludes with great rewards," said Munkhbaatar Tengis from Mongolia, the Asian champion of the 2021 "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students.

Now pursuing a master’s degree at Fudan University in Shanghai, he made these remarks at the qualifying round of this year's competition, held in East China's Fujian province.

Tengis's journey with the Chinese language began in childhood when he moved to Beijing with his mother, who was pursuing her studies. During his time there, he not only mastered the language but also immersed himself in Chinese culture.

After his mother completed her doctoral studies, they returned to Mongolia, yet his affection for China endured. "It was then I realized China had become my second hometown," he reflected.

Back in Mongolia, he continued studying Chinese and chose Chinese Language and Literature as his college major.

With a solid foundation in the language and a deep understanding of Chinese culture, Tengis participated in the "Chinese Bridge" competition in 2021.

During the finals, his captivating performance of the Chinese comedic dialogue Mang Zhuang Ren (reckless person) earned him high praise from the judges.

He went on to win the top honor for Asia, setting a new record for Mongolian contestants in the competition.

Three years later, he returned to the "Chinese Bridge" competition, not as a contestant but as a guest and member of the past champions' group, where he shared his story of learning Chinese.

Growing up in a poor family that lived in both rural pastoral areas and urban shantytowns, Tengis understood his mother's determination to leave the remote Mongolian grasslands to study in China. Her aim was not only to further her own education but also to provide better opportunities for Tengis and his younger sister.

Tengis reflects on his childhood, recalling the challenging conditions his family faced

Inspired by his mother's perseverance, he aspires to further his studies in China.

Currently pursuing a master's degree in International Chinese Education at Fudan University, he hopes to establish a Chinese language school in the future. His goal is to strengthen ties between China and Mongolia, fostering cultural exchanges and helping more students learn Chinese.

Sources: International Students Office of Fudan University, Fujian TV Travel Channel, and Chinese Bridge