A Chinese language proficiency contest will be held from 17th to 20th this month in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, with about 200 middle school students from 43 countries participating.

Chinese language proficiency test has become popular in recent years. In this file photo, foreign students attend a Chinese language proficiency test held in Tianjin in April 2010.

According to Hanban, the Chinese language promotion agency, competitors will display their Chinese language skills, perform traditional Chinese arts, including singing and dancing, painting and calligraphy, martial arts, etc.

Coming from Asia, America, Europe, Africa and Oceania, competitors will visit the cultural spots in Beijing, and the headquarters of the Confucius Institute, the government-sponsored worldwide Chinese language promoting organization.

Students will go to middle schools and colleges in Chongqing, and visit some ordinary families, said Hanban.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2011)