2013 has been the first year of implementing the grand goal of developing an eco-friendly civilization – "beautiful China" – as announced at the 18th CPC National Congress. On May 30th, a speech contest with the theme “The Most Beautiful Eco-Town in My Heart” was held in Ke Zhen Theatre. The contest was co-organized by Ningbo College and NIT, and was jointly hosted by the Ningbo Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ningbo Education Bureau.

Contestants from twelve colleges and universities in Ningbo, including NIT, Ningbo City College of Vocational Technology, Ningbo University, and the China Maritime Police Academy participated in the contest. Wu Jianwei, Deputy Inspector of the Ningbo EPA, and Huang Guangjie, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of NIT, addressed the assembly to begin the contest.

In their speeches, contestants interpreted the theme in many interesting ways. The meaning of “Eco-Town” was discussed from different viewpoints such as the significance of ecologically-friendly living environments to communities and individuals, the human characteristics of an eco-town, as well as the charm and beauty that such environments have to offer. The titles of the speeches were poetic, personal, and often quite emotional: “Qiantong Ancient Town, Seeking”, “Worthy of Ecological Dream”, “Ningbo Ecological Town – the Fluttering Flag”, “Ecological Beauty Shines in Yongcheng”, and so on.

Zhou Lichen from the China Maritime Police Academy won first prize; Jin Lihe from the Ningbo Institute of Education and Bao Qianrong from Ningbo Dahongying University won second prize; Yang Dong from Ningbo City College of Vocational Technology, Lu Xiaowei from Ningbo Polytechnic, and Li Beibei from Ningbo University won the third prize. NIT was awarded “Outstanding Organization Award” for its role in organizing the speech contest.