HANNOVER, Germany, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The German finals of the 19th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for secondary school students and the 6th Chinese Bridge Show for primary school students were held on Saturday in Hannover, Germany.A total of 11 secondary school students and 15 primary school students from across Germany participated in the events.The secondary school competition consisted of three segments: a themed speech, a quiz on Chinese language and culture, and a talent show. Contestants shared their experiences of learning Chinese and engaging with Chinese culture.The primary school event featured themed speeches and talent performances. Participants demonstrated a variety of skills, including dancing, musical performances, calligraphy, and martial arts.Since its launch in 2002, the 'Chinese Bridge' competition has attracted more than 1.8 million young participants from over 160 countries, Chinese Ambassador to Germany Deng Hongbo said. It has become an important platform for young people to showcase their Chinese-language skills and deepen cultural exchange and friendship.Language is one of the best keys to understanding a country, Deng told the contestants. By learning Chinese well, you are helping build a solid foundation for friendship between the Chinese and German peoples.The events were organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education and the Chinese Embassy in Germany, and hosted by the Leibniz Confucius Institute Hannover.

Egypt announced Sunday the discovery of artifacts dating back to the ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman eras in Beni Suef Governorate, south of Cairo.

HONG KONG, May 30 (Xinhua) - An opening ceremony was held on Saturday for Hong Kong ICH Month 2026, marking the launch of activities that highlight more than 100 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items and showcase the richness of Hong Kong's traditional culture.Organized by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, the second edition of the Hong Kong ICH Month, continuing its theme with ICH Around Town, will present a string of activities, including performances and exhibitions.Running from May 30 to June 30, the Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 aims to give the public and tourists deeper insight into Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage. This year's ICH Highlight Tours will feature nine thematic routes.Rosanna Law, secretary for culture, sports and tourism of the HKSAR government, said at the opening ceremony that the inaugural Hong Kong ICH Month attracted over 160,000 participants. This year, there are over 50 performances, 80 promotion booths and 40 field visits.Law looked forward to pooling the strength of all sectors through collaboration between the HKSAR government and the community to safeguard and pass on Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage.