The 2025 Classical Chinese Poetry Contest, a co-production of China Media Group, the Ministry of Education of China, and the State Language Commission, is set to premiere in North America this November, generating excitement among Chinese communities and cultural enthusiasts.
Celebrating a decade of dedication, the contest has become a flagship cultural program, reigniting interest in classical Chinese poetry and forging a bridge between the ancient and the modern, the East and the West. Its guiding principle, “Life is Inherently Poetic,” has resonated across generations, helping Chinese people worldwide strengthen their cultural roots and shared heritage.
The 2025 edition introduces reimagined formats, renewed concepts, and enhanced visuals to make classical poetry more accessible and engaging. Contestants hail from diverse professions and regions, including university students, firefighters, cultural tourism planners, rural teachers, and farmers, reflecting the poetic spirit in everyday life. Renowned scholars such as Kang Zhen, Meng Man, Li Bo, and Yang Yu will guide audiences through the imaginative and emotional depths of classical Chinese art.
Innovation Meets Tradition
For the first time, the program incorporates AI algorithms and fluid lighting technology to transform the stage into a living canvas where poetry and painting converge. AI-generated imagery recreates scenes from the vibrant daily life of the ancient capital Chang’an, allowing classical poetry to transcend its textual confines and resonate in the digital era.
The contest retains beloved segments like “Fei Hua Ling” (thematic verse chain), “Poetry Chain Duel,” and “Poetry in Painting,” while introducing the “Champions’ League”, a new round where rising stars face off against title-holders in friendly competition. A situational challenge inspired by the classical painting The Itinerant Peddler brings historical allusions to life, inviting audiences to engage with poetry in dynamic and entertaining ways.
A Cultural Dialogue Across Time
The 2025 contest explores the enduring relevance of poetry, from the patriotic devotion of Southern Song poet Xin Qiji to the transcendent optimism of Northern Song master Su Shi, and through contemporary commemorations, including a quiz celebrating the centennial of Beihai Park and an open-air film tribute marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema.
As a grand Chinese cultural feast, the Classical Chinese Poetry Contest combines a decade of dedication with timeless artistry. The 2025 edition provides North American audiences a unique gateway to discover the elegance of Chinese culture, while offering younger generations of the Chinese diaspora a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with their heritage.
This November, viewers are invited to embark on a transcendent poetic journey across time and space, celebrating shared humanity and the enduring power of poetry.