Two contestants perform poetry reading and Chinese calligraphy at the talent show of the 10th Chinese Proficiency Competition in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Oct 19. [Photo/Xinhua]

International secondary school students from 96 countries joined the talent show round of the 10th Chinese Proficiency Competition, a global event held by Confucius Institute Headquarters, on Thursday.

Contestants displayed their skills and passion for Chinese music, dance, calligraphy and other artistic forms.

The event, organized every year, selects students with outstanding Chinese language ability from around the world to attend the finals in China.

From Oct 17 to 28, all the students will be able to participate in a series of cultural activities at Chinese schools, host families and local enterprises besides the formal competitions rounds.