Join us for a special and fun night where youth voices come together to share their story on encountering Chinese culture, connect with friends, and shine through an open mic and talent show.
This special gathering brings together alumni of the “Chinese Bridge” Eastern U.S. Competitions and China Institute study abroad programs, to share stories, reflections, and cultural experiences. Hear from our outstanding students from the Chinese Bridge Global Finals and Youth Leadership Program about their experiences encountering Chinese culture.
And we want to hear your stories too! Join our Open Mic to share your stories and showcase your talents. All students interested in sharing are welcome! The stage is yours!
If you just want to simply sit back, listen, and enjoy this open, supportive, and welcoming event, we are happy to have you here too! Students, teachers, friends, and family are all warmly welcome. The event is free of admission for all to attend. In-advanced registration is required.
Register as an audience
Join us for inspiring performances, engaging conversations, and a joyful start to 2026 with a warm community.
Food and beverages will be provided.
We look forward to welcoming you at China Institute!
Program Agenda (subject to change)
4:30-5:00 PM｜Check in
5:10-5:15 PM｜Welcome & Opening Remarks
5:15-5:40 PM｜Featured Student Remarks
Launch China Institute Youth Programs
*** intermission with music ***
5:45 – 6:45 PM｜Open Mic: My Story about China
6:45 –7: 00 PM｜Raffle
China Institute of America address: 100 Washington Street (Enter at 40 Rector Street) New York, NY 10006
For questions, please contact Yongqiang Lin at [email protected]
Featured Student Speakers
Calvin Zhou is a senior at Brooklyn Technical High School in New York and will attend Stanford University this fall. He participated in China Institute’s Youth Leadership in China program in 2024.
Leyla Gibon is a senior at Princeton High School in New Jersey. She participated in the 18th Chinese Bridge Competition in 2025, placing second globally and first in the Americas. She hopes to major in Chinese and plans to study abroad in China.
