A co-production of China Media Group, the Ministry of Education of China, and the State Language Commission, the 2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest is set to premiere in North America this November, generating excitement among local Chinese communities and cultural enthusiasts.
Marking a decade of dedication, the contest has become a flagship cultural program in China, inspiring audiences to reconnect with classical poetry while bridging the past and present, East and West. Its guiding philosophy, “Life is Inherently Poetic,” continues to strengthen cultural roots and foster shared sentiments among Chinese communities worldwide.
A Modern Take on Ancient Poetry
The 2025 edition introduces reimagined formats, creative challenges, and revitalized visuals to make classical poetry more accessible and engaging. Contestants hail from diverse professions and regions—university students, firefighters, cultural tourism planners, rural teachers, and farmers—reflecting the poetic spirit present in everyday life. Esteemed scholars such as Kang Zhen, Meng Man, Li Bo, and Yang Yu guide audiences through the imaginative and emotional richness of classical Chinese art.
Technology Meets Tradition
For the first time, the program integrates AI algorithms and advanced lighting technology, transforming the stage into a living canvas where classical imagery and digital innovation merge. Highlights include AI-generated recreations of life in the ancient capital Chang’an, blending visual technology, digital world-building, and poetry to bring the classical tradition into the digital era.
Innovative Contest Format
Beloved segments like “Fei Hua Ling” (thematic verse chains), “Poetry Chain Duel,” and “Poetry in Painting” return, alongside a new “Champions’ League” round, where rising stars compete against title-holders in friendly rivalry. A situational challenge stage inspired by the classical painting The Itinerant Peddler allows audiences to experience historical allusions in an interactive, entertaining format.
Poetry as a Cultural Bridge
The contest explores themes from the patriotic devotion of Southern Song poet Xin Qiji to the transcendent optimism of Northern Song master Su Shi, while incorporating segments celebrating the centennial of Beihai Park and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema.
The 2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest serves as both a cultural feast and a gateway for North American audiences, particularly younger generations of the Chinese diaspora, to rediscover the elegance and enduring vitality of Chinese culture. Audiences are invited to embark on a transcendent poetic journey, celebrating shared humanity and timeless truths across time and space.