In this heartfelt talk, IB student Ruier Ma reflects on a transformative journey to Ciying Town, a remote village in Yunnan, China. Through volunteer teaching, introducing 3D printing, and connecting with children living with limited resources, Ruier explores the challenges these children face and the lessons they teach about resilience, curiosity, and hope. Hello everyone! My name is Marui Ma, a DP2 student at NSFZ. I'm fascinated by anything that combines speed, strategy, and teamwork—whether it's on the football pitch, in the Formula 1 paddock, or down the ski slopes. At school, I'm not only an engineering enthusiast but also an active member and key contributor to our FTC robotics team. Building robots is, for me, another powerful way to turn ideas into motion. I hope to eventually bring 3D printing technology to remote mountain villages, using it to show children there a glimpse of the wider world. 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

Captivated by the world of traditional opera, high school student Xue Jinze believes that when the glamour fades, only art and passion remain. From admirer to performer, he has found his own way to share the timeless beauty of Peking Opera with a new generation. In this talk, he reveals how devotion can bridge the past and the present through art. Xue Jinze, a student in the IB program at High School Affiliated to Nanjing Normal University, has been fascinated by traditional Chinese performing arts since primary school, developing a particular passion for Peking Opera in junior high. Over the past six years, he has progressed from a curious observer to an active performer—learning acting skills and even taking the stage in an excerpt from Wen Zhao Pass for a school charity event. He has also founded Peking Opera and Kunqu clubs at his school, connecting classmates with artists from professional troupes. In his TEDx talk, he will explore how Peking Opera can resonate with today’s youth, why traditional operas like it continue to appeal to the younger generation, and what key artistic features make this art form uniquely captivating. 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

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

The talk is about human development through learning to grow together and promoting a sense of belonging. Passionate Environmental educator and Youth Mentor 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