Held from October 14 to 29, 2024, in Beijing and Tianjin, the competition brought together 181 students from 102 countries to demonstrate their Chinese language skills and foster cultural exchange. Representing Turkey, Elif Azra Gül, an 11th-grade student from Atatürk High School, a teaching point of the METU Confucius Institute, earned her spot after winning first place in the Turkish regional competition.

The competition consisted of three sections: a written test, a Chinese speech, and a talent performance in Chinese. Elif's exceptional performance earned her the "Excellence Award" and a semester-long "International Chinese Teacher" scholarship.

Beyond the competition, Elif's 15-day visit to China was filled with enriching experiences. In Beijing, she explored iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and the Bird's Nest. She also delved into China's intangible cultural heritage, learning about clay figurines, Yangliuqing paintings, shadow puppetry, and traditional Chinese opera. In Tianjin, she experienced immersive Chinese language learning, visiting the Tianjin Eye, Haihe River, and Five Avenues, where she discovered the city's unique charm.

A highlight of her journey was visiting a Chinese family, where she participated in making traditional foods like hotpot and dumplings. Reflecting on this experience, she said, "I not only improved my Chinese but also gained a deeper appreciation for China's traditional customs. Spending time with a local family in Tianjin made me feel their warmth and strong sense of family."

After the competition, Elif shared that receiving the "International Chinese Teacher" scholarship was an important step in her academic journey. She plans to continue studying Chinese, take the HSK exam, and pursue higher education in China. She remarked, "This competition has solidified my determination to study in China. I believe this experience will be a valuable asset in my future endeavors."