I. About the Competition
Since its launch in 2023, the Washington Chinese Culture Festival Youth Essay Competition has provided young people with a platform to showcase their writing skills, cultural understanding, and cross-cultural perspectives.
Over the past three years, the competition has attracted participants from across the United States and China, with the number of submissions growing each year. In 2025, the competition introduced its first on-site final round, where finalists gathered in the Washington, D.C. area to complete an impromptu writing challenge before a panel of judges. The event received strong support from educators, community leaders, and cultural organizations, while welcoming an increasing number of non-Chinese participants.
Building on this success, the 4th Washington Chinese Culture Festival Youth Essay Competition invites young writers to share their experiences, ideas, and cultural journeys through the power of words.
II. Theme
Theme: Finding Yourself Through Culture
Theme Interpretation
The Chinese phrase “乐在其中” means finding joy in the process.
For this year’s competition, it also carries a deeper meaning: discovering the richness of Chinese culture while discovering yourself.
Whether through learning Chinese, participating in cultural events, communicating across cultures, or reflecting on your own experiences, we encourage young people to write with curiosity, confidence, and authenticity.
Suggested Topics (Choose One)
1. My Experience at the Washington Chinese Culture Festival
Share your experience attending the Washington Chinese Culture Festival or another Chinese cultural event. Describe memorable performances, activities, conversations, or discoveries that helped you better understand Chinese culture.
2. A Letter to My Grandparents (or Family) in China
Write a letter sharing your life, studies, personal growth, and cultural experiences. Express your thoughts, gratitude, memories, or hopes with sincerity.
3. My Journey Learning Chinese
Tell the story of your Chinese language learning experience. What challenges have you faced? What joyful moments or achievements have inspired you? How has learning Chinese helped you connect with your family, culture, or identity?
4. Growing Up Between Two Cultures
Reflect on your experiences growing up in different cultural environments. Share stories about your family, school, traditions, language learning, friendships, or cross-cultural experiences that have shaped who you are today.
III. Eligibility
The competition is open to young people ages 6–24 worldwide, including:
* Chinese heritage students
* Overseas Chinese language learners
* Non-Chinese students interested in Chinese culture
* Students currently living in China
IV. Competition Categories
Chinese Division
* Elementary School
* Middle School
* High School
English Division
* Elementary School
* Middle School
* High School
Special Categories
* Non-Chinese Participants
* Students in China
V. Submission Requirements
Languages
* Chinese
* English
Length
Elementary School: 300–800 words (flexibility for younger writers)
Middle School: 500–1,200 words
High School & Above: 600–2,000 words
Rules
* Entries must be original.
* AI-generated content is not permitted.
* Each participant may submit one Chinese essay and/or one English essay.
* Any literary form is accepted, including personal narrative, essay, memoir, or letter.
VI. Organizers
Organizer
Washington Chinese Culture Festival Organizing Committee
Advisory Organization
National Council of Associations of Chinese Language Schools (NCACLS)
Hosted by
Zaidao Website (TheZ.us)
VII. Judging Process
Preliminary Round
All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experienced educators and Chinese language teachers from the Greater Washington area. Outstanding entries and finalists will be selected.
Final Round
Finalists will participate in an on-site impromptu writing competition in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, followed by the Awards Ceremony.
Participants from outside the region may join an online final round (subject to confirmation).
A distinguished panel of scholars, educators, and community leaders will evaluate the final submissions and announce the winners during the ceremony.
VIII. Awards
Each category will present:
* First Prize
* Second Prize
* Third Prize
* Honorable Mention
Additional awards include:
* Outstanding Teacher Award
* Outstanding Organization Award
* Special Awards (when applicable)
Award recipients will receive certificates, trophies, and commemorative gifts.
IX. Timeline
Preliminary Submission Deadline : September 27, 2026
Finalists Announcement： October 26, 2026
Final Round & Awards Ceremony： November 15, 2026
Finalists in the Greater Washington area will participate in the on-site writing competition. Online participation for out-of-state finalists will be announced later if available.
X. How to Submit
Entries should be submitted online.
Participants should scan the QR code, complete the registration form, and upload their essay in Word or PDF format.
Contact
Email: عنوان البريد الإلكتروني هذا محمي من روبوتات السبام. يجب عليك تفعيل الجافاسكربت لرؤيته.
Ms. Li: +1 (703) 344-4172
Ms. Wang: +1 (301) 250-0119
Website: https://thez.us
Write Your Story. Share Your Voice. Build Cultural Bridges.
The Washington Chinese Culture Festival Youth Essay Competition is more than a writing contest—it is an opportunity for young people to explore culture, express themselves, and connect with the world through writing.
Let your words become a bridge between cultures, and let your voice be heard.
