2025 HSK Short Video Competition: 《一笔一画，书写我的中文旅程》

When I first heard about the 2025 HSK Short Video Competition, I immediately felt excited. For me, it was not only a chance to challenge myself, but also a way to gain experience and sharpen my Chinese skills. From beginning to end, I worked on everything by myself, while also seeking advice from people close to me. From writing the script to the editing process, every step made me feel closer to my own story.

I chose the theme “Your Chinese Learning Story” because I wanted to share my journey as a foreigner, from the very first steps filled with unfamiliarity, to where I stand today. The process wasn’t easy, especially when I had to press the submit button with trembling nerves. After going through the First Review, Online Voting, and Expert Evaluation, the announcement day finally arrived. At first, I only wanted to give it a try, but when I opened the winners’ page and found my name in the Incentive Prize category, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion.

More than pride, this experience taught me so much: how to write a more vivid script, capture details on camera, edit with a clear narrative flow, and even do voice-over dubbing—something I had only tried casually in my room before. This experience became a kind of turning point for me: it made me even more determined to keep creating, not only about Chinese language, but also about traditional Chinese clothing, history, and culture.

✨ You can watch my video submission here ↓

And here’s the short introduction text I wrote for the competition:

“本作品以温柔细腻的语言，讲述了作者与中文之间的心灵旅程。从最初对汉字的陌生与“无聊”，到逐渐体会其中的韵味与文化底蕴，每一笔一画，都是作者不断探索与坚持的见证。

中文，不再只是课本上的语言，而是连接心灵的桥梁，是打开世界之窗的钥匙。通过备考HSK的过程，作者不仅提升了语言能力，也看见了更广阔的发展机会与人生可能。

这段旅程，写下的不只是汉字，更是一段段关于梦想、坚持与自我突破的故事。

This work uses gentle and delicate language to narrate the author’s spiritual journey with the Chinese language. From the initial unfamiliarity and perceived “boringness” of Chinese characters, to gradually appreciating their charm and cultural depth, every stroke bears witness to the author’s continuous exploration and perseverance.

Chinese is no longer just a language from textbooks; it is a bridge connecting hearts and a key that opens the window to the world. Through the process of preparing for the HSK, the author not only improved their language skills but also discovered broader opportunities for growth and life possibilities.

This journey records not just Chinese characters, but a series of stories about dreams, persistence, and self-breakthroughs.”

For me, this is not just a prize — it’s part of my journey: to explore, to share, and to bridge stories across generations.