Inventions by Chinese high school students shine at Paris fair

PARIS, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Inventions by Chinese high students shone at the annual Paris Fair (Foire de Paris), the largest general-purpose fair in Europe, for their creativity.

The Fair offers a wide selection of furnishing, decoration, construction, gastronomy, well-being and tourism.

One of the main attractions of the exhibition is the Lepine Competition, which is founded by French politician and inventor Louis Lepine in 1901.

This year, the competition presents 583 inventions, and among them, inventions by Chinese high school students have attracted visitors' attention.

Zhang Zhengyang, a high school student from Beijing No. 80 High School, explained how his classmates and he invented an anti-drop kit for skis. "Our system is a glass which protects you and detects a fall when you are skiing, and deploys an air bag vest."

Li Xinhua, vice president of Beijing No. 80 High School, said 13 students from her school brought eight inventions to the fair. "We are delighted to come to Paris. Not only did we share our achievements at the exhibition, but we also learn things."

Li said students are encouraged by communicating their ideas with instructors and participating in international exhibitions, where they receive valuable insights from international judges and professionals as well as get up to date with future trends in the world of science and technology.

The Lepine Competition is the springboard for thousands of inventions, such as ballpoint pen and mechanical hearts, according to organizers.

The Paris Fair has been held annually since 1904. Last year's event attracted half a million visitors.

The 12-day exhibition this year will wrap up on May 8. Enditem