"We want the children to feel nature, the changes around them, and the relationship between the waterfront and our lives from an early age," Zhao said, also highlighting the dedication to nurturing interest in traditional Chinese culture and ink art. "We are more dedicated to fostering children's interests, especially in Chinese traditional culture and ink art."

She noted that the French public warmly received Chinese ink paintings displayed in last year's competition.

"We found that the French really liked our Chinese ink paintings, because they spent the most time looking at the ink paintings in the exhibition space," Zhao said.

Nine-year-old Zhao Qingling, a former winner who recited poetry at the launch, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition.

Sun Shanshan, mother of nine-year-old former winner Mu Zimo, highlighted the role of such events in language development and fostering a global perspective. "I think it is very beneficial for them to open up their international horizons in the future," Sun said. "I have always believed that aesthetic ability equals competitiveness, so I think aesthetic education is very important and will be very competitive in the future."

Luo Bin contributed to this story.