The Stories of China Retold in English Competition is an event organized by China Education Television and New Channel International Education Group. It aims to provide a platform for cultural exchange among global youth, while showcasing the achievements in international Chinese language education.

Under the guidance of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the competition established the International Students in China Category in 2021, creating a dedicated platform for students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Participants from around the world share their study and life experiences in China, delivering vivid first-hand narratives on what they have seen, heard, and felt, primarily in Chinese. The content ranges from traditional Chinese cultural classics to focuses on contemporary innovations, with a focus on breakthroughs in high-speed rail, the digital economy, and international cooperation, including the Belt and Road Initiative and global climate governance.

These stories reflect China's positive contributions in technological innovation, modern governance, and global collaboration. The voices of these young participants serve as a dynamic force for cross-cultural understanding and mutual learning among civilizations, while infusing the competition with contemporary relevance and an international outlook.

Registration process

Step 1

Use the WeChat app and scan the QR code below. Enter the CN Stories mini program. Click "My Story" on the homepage to register. Select "other nationalities" and fill out the registration form.

Reminder: When filling in registration information, select "中国-China" as the "Country or region where the school/college is located".

Step 2

Upon successful registration, participants can learn about entry requirements, submission methods, recommended recitation texts, and filming suggestions through the mini program. They can then film or upload their works according to the provided guidelines.

Participants will also receive updates about entries, public course schedules, and other information through WeChat groups, the CN Stories WeChat mini program, or the official account of CN Stories.

 

Competition stages and schedule

The International Students in China Category is open to international students currently studying in China. The sixth edition of the competition consists of three selection stages: Preliminary Round, Advanced Round, and Grand Showcase.

The entry deadline for the preliminary round is March 31, 2026.

- Preliminary Round: November 2025 to March 2026

- Advanced Round: April to May 2026

- Grand Showcase: July 2026

Participants in this category are required to present entirely in a non-native language, with Chinese designated as the primary language for all presentations.

International Students in China Category	First language: English	Presentation language: Chinese
	First language: non-English	Presentation language: Chinese (preferred) or English

 

Entry requirements

Participants should simulate a live stage setting and use a non-native language (primarily Chinese) to film their entry.

Video entries should be no longer than 1.5 minutes and must be submitted online.

Entries can be prepared in one of three formats: Recitation, Local Story Writing and Retelling, or Self-Introduction.

The requirements are as follows:

1. Recitation

Participants may select and recite one of the recommended story excerpts below, or any article from the recommended books.

1) Mount Tai: Mountain of All Mountains

2) The Lantern Festival: Day for Solving Riddles

3) Zhuge Liang: Much More Than Just Wit

4) Graphene: Graphene Comes of Age in China

5) The Yellow River Chorus: A Wartime Song That United Us All

6) The Spirit of Craftsmanship: Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

7) Dayan Pagoda: Master Xuanzang and His Pilgrimage Westward

8) Chen Zhongshi: Life and Literature on the White Deer Plain

9) Chili Peppers in Hunan: More Than Just a Dish

10) From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Spirit of Lei Feng

11) Seeing Off the Kitchen God: The Start of the Chinese New Year

12) The Bund: A Display of Architecture from Around the World

13) Tianjin Magic: Chinese Illusions That Dazzled the West

14) Tianjin Port: A Global Hub of Smart and Green Energy

2. Local Story Writing and Retelling

Write and recite a short local story based on Chinese elements.

Please note: the "main subject" of the story should not be the participants themselves. "Local" refers to the location of the participant's university. "Chinese elements" include, but are not limited to, Chinese cultural icons, customs, figures, achievements, arts, or spirit.

The story should have a clear narrative structure, including:

- "Beginning": introducing the background and main characters.

- "Body": narrating the main events and the story's climax.

- "Ending": creative and vivid conclusions are especially encouraged.

3. Self-Introduction

Introduce yourself from your own perspective. The content must contain Chinese elements, including, but not limited to, Chinese cultural icons, customs, figures, achievements, arts, or spirit.

Participation suggestions

Notes

1.Participants must ensure that all personal information provided is true and accurate, and that they appear personally in their submissions. Videos will only proceed to the judging stage after passing the initial Al review.

Participants must resubmit their videos if any of the following issues are identified: incorrect format, obscured face, videos length too short, incorrect language, excessive background noise, or any other related issues. Please avoid any form of advertising or any content not related to the event.

The organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify any submission found to contain plagiarized or copied material or created through cheating. Any prizes awarded for such submissions may also be revoked.

2.Winners from previous Grand Showcase are not eligible to participate in the selection round of the 6th Grand Showcase.

3.The organizing committee retains ownership and copyrights of all audio and video works, manuscripts, and on-site video materials submitted by participants. The committee also holds the right of final interpretation and arbitration for all matters related to this event.

 

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of SISU Office of International Student Affairs (ID: "Study_in_SISU"), the organizing committee of the 6th Stories of China Retold in English Competition