BEIJING, Nov. 29, 2025 — Described as a universal language and a cultural connector, the *2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest*, a collaborative effort by China Media Group, the Ministry of Education, and the State Language Commission, is set to debut in the U.K. and other European nations. The goal is to encourage cross-cultural understanding through poetry.
Since its inception in 2016, the program has become a prominent cultural event in China. It presents classical poetry in a competitive format, blending artistic beauty and intelligence to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, as well as Eastern and Western cultures.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program will feature contestants from various backgrounds—students, firefighters, teachers, farmers, and more—demonstrating the appeal of classical poetry in modern China. By showcasing this diversity, it emphasizes poetry’s ongoing relevance and its central aim of integrating poetry into everyday life. Renowned scholars like Kang Zhen, Meng Man, Li Bo, and Yang Yu will offer accessible interpretations of the classics, guiding viewers on a poetic exploration of Chinese emotional and spiritual expression.
The 2025 edition will incorporate AI-generated visuals and advanced lighting to enhance storytelling and digitally reimagine classical themes. Virtual elements, such as the “Night Market of Prosperous Chang’an,” will combine technology and poetry to offer a global audience an engaging experience of Eastern culture.
The upcoming edition will feature a revamped format, retaining popular segments like “Fei Hua Ling” (thematic verse chain) and “Poetry in Painting,” while introducing a new “Champions’ League” challenge and a scenario inspired by the classical painting *The Itinerant Peddler*. This blend of intellectual substance and visual appeal invites viewers to immerse themselves in the poetic world and explore the essence of Chinese spirituality.
The *2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest* aims to foster cultural exchange and provide a source of cultural connection for overseas Chinese communities, while also offering European audiences a glimpse into the artistic and philosophical richness of Chinese poetry.
Media contact
Contact: Wang Peng
Company Name: CGTN
Website: http://www.cgtn.com
Email: wangpeng@cgtncorp.com
