Ai Fukuhara, an Olympic medalist and retired Japanese table tennis player, was honored with a special award. Reflecting on her experience of attending table tennis training camps in China, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support she has received from China throughout her career and in her post-retirement pursuits.

Last month, Fukuhara explored Sichuan province, where she tried skydiving and spicy hotpot for the first time.

"It was an incredible experience, filled with fun and excitement. The breathtaking scenery I saw while skydiving in Sichuan is something I will cherish for the rest of my life," she said.

Rie Kanamaru, a housewife and the grand prize winner, shared her story of adapting to life in China during her 12-year residence in Wuhan, Suzhou and Guangzhou from 2012 to October 2024.

"At first, I was apprehensive about living in China, but my desire to interact more smoothly with my neighbors, who have always treated me warmly, has enabled me to be proactive in learning the language and understanding Chinese culture," Kanamaru wrote.

Her essay focused on how participating in morning exercises with her neighbors helped her integrate into her local community. Through daily interactions and language studies, she acquired proficiency in Mandarin, passing the HSK Level 6 exam in 2019.