A Thai woman shares her story during the finals on Jan 10. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For en.hhhtnews.com]

An international story contest with the theme My Story of Chinese Hanzi was held on Jan 10 in Hohhot – capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – inviting international friends to take part from such countries as Afghanistan, Thailand, Cameroon, Ukraine and the United States.

It's smiles all around as a man from Cameroon picks up a special prize. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For en.hhhtnews.com]

With the theme of "Yi" – literally meaning righteousness – 10 contestants shared their stories with Chinese characters in the finals of the competition.

The event – aimed at bringing about international exchanges and mutual learning – attracted the participation of 3,000 or so contestants from more than 70 countries. They hailed from all nationalities, races, ages and occupations.

Contestants take a picture in Saishang Old Street, in Hohhot's Yuquan district. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For en.hhhtnews.com]

One of the competitors learns about how to make traditional Inner Mongolia incense. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For en.hhhtnews.com]