Call for Entries: The 2nd “A Letter to Confucius” International Essay Contest

第二届“给孔子写信”国际征文大赛征集启事

Marking the 2577th anniversary of the birth of Confucius, we invite young people of Generation Z around the world to write a letter to Confucius, sharing your understanding of and reflections on his thought, Chinese culture, contemporary life and the values shared by all humanity.

1. Who May Enter

Young people aged 18 to 30 anywhere in the world. There are no restrictions on nationality or field of study.

2. Submission Period

30 August to 30 September 2026 (Beijing time).

3. Requirements for Entries

3.1 Format

Each entry must be submitted as a clear scan or high-resolution photograph of the handwritten original, accompanied by a Word or PDF file of the same text. There are no restrictions on the language, paper or writing instrument used, but the handwriting must be clearly legible.

3.2 Themes

Write on any one of the following themes. A length of 200 to 500 words is suggested.

• Confucius and My World. Drawing on your own experience, reflect on the connections between the thought of Confucius and the lives of young people today. You may agree, you may question, and you are equally welcome to open an argument with Confucius across the centuries.
• From Confucius to Chinese Culture. Starting from your encounter with Confucius, share a new understanding, a new impression or a new way of imagining Chinese culture.
• If Confucius Lived Today. Use the imagination of your generation to tell the story of what Confucius might experience in contemporary society, the views he might express, or the questions he might face.

3.3 Language

Entries may be written in Chinese, English or any other language. Entries not written in Chinese must be accompanied by an abstract of no more than 200 words in Chinese or English.

3.4 Originality

Entries must be the entrant's own original work and must not have been published in any publication or on any online platform. Plagiarism and ghostwriting are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

4. How to Enter

Please send the following materials to the official email address: meetconfucius2026@163.com

• A scan or photograph of the handwritten original;
• A Word or PDF file of the text;
• A personal profile of no more than 100 words, including your name, nationality and contact details.

Please use the following email subject line: A Letter to Confucius + your name.

5. Host

Dazhong News Group

6. Judging and Prizes

A panel of young Chinese and international cultural scholars and media professionals will assess entries on three criteria: depth of thought, cultural connection and individuality of expression.

• First Prize (2 winners): RMB 2,000 and a certificate;
• Second Prize (5 winners): RMB 1,000 and a certificate;
• Third Prize (10 winners): RMB 200 and a certificate;
• Outstanding Mentor Award (3 winners): RMB 1,000 and a certificate;
• Best Cross-Cultural Perspective Award (3 winners): a certificate and a cultural gift package;
• Best Youth Expression Award (3 winners): a certificate and a cultural gift package.

7. Presentation of Results

Selected winning entries will be put on display, and outstanding works will be compiled into an H5 digital publication, Letters to Confucius from Generation Z, to be presented as a lasting record of the programme.

8. Copyright

Copyright in each entry remains with its author. The organiser reserves the right to use winning entries for non-commercial promotion, exhibition, publication and compilation, with the author credited by name. Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of these terms.

9. Enquiries

Official email: meetconfucius2026@163.com