'Chilechuan Cup' Chinese poetry competition calls for global submissions

Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is launching the second "Chilechuan Cup" Traditional Poetry and Couplets Competition in 2025. With the theme "Promoting North China's Culture, Embracing the Spirit of the Times", the competition is now open to global submissions.

Academic Advisors

The competition has invited renowned scholars to serve as academic advisors, including:

Zhong Zhenzhen, professor at Tsinghua University

Guo Xianwen, director of Xinhua Jiangnan Calligraphy and Painting Institute

Chen Xiaoming, director of the Overseas Poetry Committee, Chinese Poetry Society

Submission Guidelines

1. Competition Theme

All entries should reflect themes related to:

North China's culture

Hohhot's historical and cultural heritage

The development of the new era

The construction of Hohhot's modern civilization

Poetry Category:

Must follow the Pingshui rhyme scheme, with no restriction on rhyme groups.

Lyric Category:

Must use titles from established lyric forms.

Rhyme must follow CiLinZhengYun, a book of lyric rhymes.

The meter should comply with QinDingCiPu, a poem compiled under imperial decree during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Couplet Category:

Must be written for a Hohhot historical or cultural site or district.

2. Creative Requirements

Entries should demonstrate originality, refined style, literary and artistic merit, and depth of thought. Please indicate the source when quoting allusions.

3. Entry Rules

Participants may submit to one or more categories, but only one entry per category. All entries must be original works. Plagiarism or AI-generated content is strictly prohibited. Violations will result in disqualification. Personal information such as name, pen name, phone number, email, and ID number must not appear in the title or text of the submission. Submissions cannot be modified after submission.

How to Submit

Participants may submit through one of the following platforms:

Shitianxia APP: Download the latest version and navigate to the "Poetry Contest" section, and select the submission zone of the second "Chilechuan Cup" Traditional Poetry and Couplets Competition.

Poetry World Service WeChat Account: follow the account, then click "Chilechuan Cup" to enter the designated submission area.

Hohhot Literature & Arts WeChat Account: Follow the account and click the "Read More" link at the end of the official call for entries.

Qingcheng Convergence Media WeChat Account: Follow the account and click the "Chilechuan Cup" button to enter the submission portal.

Competition Timeline

Submission Period: Until July 6

Preliminary Review: July 7–16

Final Review: July 17–23 (Combination of expert evaluation and public voting)

Results Announcement: July 24 on all official submission platforms, including final winners, their works, and judges' comments

Awards & Prizes

For each category (Poetry, Lyric, Couplet):

First Prize (1 winner): 5,000 yuan ($693) + certificate

Second Prize (2 winners): 3,000 yuan each + certificate

Third Prize (3 winners): 2,000 yuan each + certificate

Honorable Mentions (10 winners): Certificate only

Contact

For inquiries, please contact:

Cao Xue: +86 188 5173 0689

Wang Qi: +86 158 5065 7709

Additional Notes

The organizers reserve the right to publish, exhibit, or otherwise use submitted works without additional compensation. Authors retain naming rights. The final interpretation of the competition lies with the Hohhot Federation of Literary and Art Circles.