To further deepen cultural exchanges, the International Exchange Center and Contemporary World magazine, both under the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, are hosting the second "Youth Creations on Shared Prosperity" Contest.

International students in China are invited to participate with guidance of their instructors. Details are as follows:

Theme

This contest is focused on enhancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Through various forms such as essays, paintings, calligraphy (including seal carving), and photography with accompanying stories, participants are encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences with Chinese civilization, their insights into Chinese modernization, and their thoughts on China's collaborative development with the world. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Requirements

This contest invites submissions in four categories: essays, paintings, calligraphy (including seal carving), and photography with accompanying stories. Participants may enter one or multiple categories. All entries must be original works inspired by real-life experiences and personal reflections. Submissions must not have been previously published in books, newspapers, magazines, websites, or new media platforms, nor submitted to other similar competitions.

(1) Essays

Essays should focus on the stated theme, with a title chosen by the author. Submissions may explore various aspects of society and can feature real, vivid stories that reflect China's reform and opening-up, its path to modernization alongside the world, its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind, mutual cultural exchange, or other forms of people-to-people connections. Personal experiences, reflections, and observations from studies, daily life, or work are also welcome.

For Chinese essays, a length of 1,000–2,000 characters is recommended, using Song typeface, 14-point font, and 1.5 line spacing. For English essays, a minimum of 1,000 words is required, using Times New Roman, 18-point font, and 1.5 line spacing. Please email to the address provided at the end of this notice with the subject line format: Essay – Name (as on passport) – Nationality – Title of Work.

(2) Paintings

Paintings should focus on the stated theme. All categories and styles are welcome, and innovative approaches beyond traditional forms of expression are encouraged. A brief introduction of up to 200 Chinese characters or 150 English words is recommended.

Participants may use any medium, whether electronic or paper. For digital paintings, save the work as an image file. For paper-based paintings, please photograph or scan the artwork to create a digital version (JPEG format, minimum 5 megabytes).

Submit the digital version of your painting to the designated email address provided at the end of this notice, using the subject line format: Painting – Name (as on passport) – Nationality – Title of Work. For paper-based entries, participants are encouraged to mail the original artwork to the organizing committee of the contest; mailing details are available at the end of this notice.

(3) Calligraphy (including seal carving)

Calligraphy submissions (including seal carving) should align with the event's theme, and all categories, styles, and forms are welcome. Innovative approaches beyond traditional forms of expression are encouraged, including elements from your native language(s). Please include a brief description of the work in up to 200 Chinese characters or 150 English words.

While any medium is acceptable, the use of dedicated calligraphy paper is preferred. Submit your work as a photo or scan in digital format to the designated email. Use the subject line format: Calligraphy – Name (as on passport) – Nationality – Title of Work. We also encourage participants to mail the original piece to the organizing committee.

For works created on an electronic device, please save the work as an image file (JPEG format, minimum 5 MB) and send it to the specified email, following the subject line format above.

(4) Photography

Photographs should capture authentic moments related to themes such as social life, public figures, landscapes, local customs, and traditions, either in China or countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Entries should be original, well-composed, and clear, with a certain level of artistic expression. Both color and black-and-white images are welcome. Please include a brief description (up to 500 Chinese characters or 300 English words) that conveys the story behind each photo. Each participant may submit up to two entries, which can be either single photos or photo series (up to three photos per series, counted as one entry).

All entries must be in JPEG format and at least 5 MB in size. Send your photos to the designated email address, with the subject line format: Photo and Story – Name (as on passport) – Nationality – Title of Work.

Submissions

Individual participants or teams must complete the Registration Form (see attachment) and submit it along with their entries to the designated email address.

If entries are being submitted by your institution, please indicate the institution's name on the Registration Form.

Submissions and descriptions of the works can be sent as attachments or as Baidu Netdisk links (with passwords, if applicable) to the designated email address. Please format the subject line as follows: Essay/Painting/Calligraphy (including Seal Engraving)/Photo and Story – Name (as on passport) – Nationality – Title of Work.

Awards

For each category, the contest will select three first prizes, six second prizes and 15 third prizes. Winners of first, second and third prizes will receive award certificates, as well as cash prizes of 5,000 yuan ($683.48), 3,000 yuan and 1,000 yuan, respectively, or prizes worth the equivalent amount.

Possible adjustments

The awards in the four categories may be adjusted according to the number of participants and the quality of submissions. All participants will be granted access to online content of the Chinese and English versions of Contemporary World magazine published in 2024 and 2025.

Submission address

Submit your entries by noon on March 15 to isscoffice@163.com.

Attachment:

Chinese version: 登记表

Registration Form for the Youth Creations on Shared Prosperity Contest