Such is the Chinese interest in the prestigious competition, Chen Sa, a 21-year-old also from Shenzhen, came fourth in the year that Li Yundi won.

Previously the highest position achieved by a Chinese pianist was Pu Chong, who was placed third in 1955.

An estimated 300,000 young people take piano grade tests each year in China, according to Feng Yuankai, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Musical Instruments Association, speaking to China Daily in 2013.

Talent and hard work might see them join the ranks of charismatic 21st century musicians such as China's Lang Lang and Li Yundi. Lang Lang has a following of fans far wider than the ranks of normal concert goers.

Thanks to a project that started last year, there are currently eight Chinese students at the Chopin institute, five women and three men, getting ready to sit the exams that could change their lives.

An agency in Beijing oversees the project on the Chinese side. It pre-selected candidates who were presented to Polish examiners for the first time last year.

The eight who were successful then came to Warsaw, and have been studying intensively ever since. They have Polish lessons every day, and follow courses in the music faculty too. Among them are singers, pianists and fledgling composers.

"They each came alone from the other end of the world. They stepped into deep water," an official from the project who requested anonymity told China Daily. "We do our best to help them settle here."

They have been featured on television back home in China, and another five candidates hoping to pass the tough entrance exam will start their studies in Warsaw next year.

There may already be a world star in the making among the first Chinese students studying in Warsaw, or their successors next year.

Eva Migas contributed this article to China Daily

Editor: Chris Peterson