Known as “The Midnight Craftsman,” Qiu Tianen has spent countless late nights perfecting his craft. Guided by the belief that there is always a reason to make it till dawn, he turns editing into a language of growth and self-discovery. In this talk, he shares how perseverance and passion can illuminate even the darkest hours. Andy Qiu10th Grade StudentDuring junior high school, my homeroom teacher often emphasized the harsh realities of social competition. He repeatedly stressed that we had to study extremely hard to get into a top high school—only then could we stand out among the millions of students taking the National College Entrance Examination. Yet, this was only the first step toward becoming the best of the best.After the high school entrance examination, I began to feel confused about the meaning of education and learning. It was then that I learned about international curricula. After attending an information session, I became deeply excited about the possibilities that an international education could offer. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A devoted practitioner of culinary culture, Chen Tao lives by a simple belief: stay grounded and do one thing wholeheartedly. With unwavering focus, he has dedicated himself to preserving Nanjing’s beloved tradition — the Soup Dumpling. In this talk, he shares how patience, craft, and purpose can keep cultural heritage alive in a fast-changing world. The proprietor of Nanjing's Michelin-recommended snack shop "Haopo Soup Dumplings" inherits the classic recipe from the century-old establishment Jiming Jiujia's master chef. Embodying the Fuzhong spirit of "finding fulfillment in simple perseverance," they uphold the essence of Nanjing's culinary culture through action: freshness, quality ingredients, dedication, and day-after-day commitment. This transforms humble soup dumplings into an unforgettable delight for both local residents and visitors to Nanjing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A passionate rap enthusiast, Wang You’an believes that music can speak the words we struggle to say. Through his lyrics, he transforms unspoken feelings into songs that belong only to him. In this talk, he shares how rap became his language of honesty, healing, and self-expression. Youan Wang, a 16-year-old eleventh grader at the High School Affiliated to Nanjing Normal University, has a profound passion for rap culture. This vibrant art form has fundamentally shaped his journey of self-exploration and expression. What began as writing diss tracks to vent his emotions evolved into crafting verses about freedom and identity. Through rap, he has learned to embrace his authentic self. Now, he shares his story in the hope of illustrating how hip-hop—with its powerful beats and poetic rhymes—guides enthusiasts like him to discover and accept who they truly are. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A year ago, even raising her hand felt impossible. But instead of running from fear, Li Zhuor decided to work with it. From musicals to mock trials to student leadership, she discovered that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s learning to dance with it. In this talk, she reveals how turning “scary” into “a friend” transformed not just her confidence, but her life. I’m Vivian Li, a Chinese G11 student at High School Affiliated To Nanjing Normal University. I used to be the kid who’d hide herself in textbooks to avoid attention. However, after entering high school, I surprised myself. I stepped onto the stage for the first time to perform a segment from the musical Six at the English Festival. Later, I acted in the play Thunderstorm for the charity show. I survived the intense IMT10 and IMT12 mock trial competitions. I even ran for financial representative in the student union—something the younger me would never have dreamed of. It turns out that courage isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about the determination to walk out of the comfort zone despite fear, and that’s how I keep becoming a better version of myself. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

With the sensitivity of an observer and the courage of an innovator, Shi Yanning reflects on how we make life choices. She believes that the way out of life’s dilemmas isn’t to follow a fixed path, but to dare to create new rules. In this talk, she explores what it means to redefine your journey on your own terms. I'm Shiny – a name that speaks of light. As an INFP navigating the whirlwind of 11th-grade humanities, I experience the world through deep feeling, high sensitivity, and intuition. While it sometimes means moving through a loud world with an extra-thin skin, it also allows me to perceive glimmers others might miss. Like many of you, I've wrestled with uncertainty, especially at crossroads like choosing between arts and sciences. The fear of taking a "wrong path" nearly dimmed my own light. But I've learned that our radiance isn't defined by the path that illuminates us, but by the authentic glow we choose to carry forward. My journey has taught me that the most vibrant stories are written not by perfect choices, but by the resilience and heart we pour into each step, especially when the ground feels shaky. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx