[中文版本]

Tomatoes grow big and round, with many shapes and colors. Some are wide, some are long; some are very round, some large, some small, and some just right. Their colors range from red to yellow to orange. Their skin feels smooth and soft to touch.

The first time I learned to cook, I made scrambled eggs with tomatoes. It wasn’t just tasty—it was especially delicious! Whenever I’m hungry, I cook this dish myself, and it always tastes good. But tomatoes are not only for scrambled eggs—you can make tomato soup, pour tomato juice over rice, eat them with meat, or add them to salads. Tomatoes have many flavors—some sweet, some sour—but all are delicious and full of nutrition. When they’re too sour, I like to add a little sugar.

Many people think tomatoes are vegetables, but actually, they are fruits because they have seeds inside. I chose to write about tomatoes because I remember eating them a lot as a child, both cooked and raw. When I visited China, I saw many people planting tomatoes in their yards. In my father’s hometown of Yantai, tomatoes grow in many backyards too.

By

李思哲 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

I have an adorable little teddy bear named "Chocolate." I bought it at a toy store. I still remember it was a bitterly cold day when my mom took my younger sister and me to choose Christmas gifts. My sister picked out a little boat, miniature cars, and some building blocks, but the moment I walked into the store, I fell in love with this little bear. Covered in soft fur and dressed in a pretty yellow dress, it immediately caught my eye. Finally, Mom agreed to buy me the bear, so I was exhilarated.

I absolutely adore "Chocolate." It has brown fur, round black eyes, and pink ears. "Chocolate" loves to look pretty, so it "changes outfits" every day. Its favorite is a cute little red sweater—so lovely even my sister admires it.

"Chocolate" is my best friend. It sleeps with me and plays with me every single day. Whenever I have a nightmare, I can quietly hold "Chocolate" close. Though I have many stuffed toys now, "Chocolate" will always be my favorite because it’s both my companion and my "pet"!

By

程心笛 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

I love swimming—the swimming pool is my little world.

On regular days, being in the pool makes me happy and relaxed. I can swim slowly or quickly. However, during swim competitions, I have to give my best effort to improve my performance, and swimming becomes exhausting.

One of the reasons I love swimming is that most of my friends are there. Sometimes, I feel frustrated, but once I start swimming and spend time with my swimming friends, I feel happy again. Sometimes, we have breakfast together, and other times, we gather for fun events.

The swimming pool is my happy place.

By

陈恩恒 翻译 (Translation) 2025-06-06

  [中文版本]

My favorite little corner in the world is the kitchen at home.

Our kitchen is rectangular, not too big, not too small, with a well-organized layout and neatly arranged kitchenware. On the right side near the door sits a huge gray refrigerator. Next to it is a row of white cabinets, and the countertop is made of beige marble. In the corner near the stove, there are many different seasonings, such as light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, cooking wine, aged vinegar, cornstarch, white sugar, and brown sugar. Near the window is the sink, and hanging above it is a beautiful spider plant that makes the kitchen feel full of life. Beside the sink is the dishwasher. On both sides of the window are more cabinets storing various bowls, plates, and cooking utensils. On the left side is a wooden dining table and chairs.

Every day in the kitchen, my family gathers around the table or stove, preparing meals together. Every time we cook and eat as a family, I feel warmth and coziness. These simple daily moments bring us closer and strengthen our bonds.

What I love most is watching my grandma chop vegetables and cook—she’s the best chef in the world! Whenever she’s cooking, the delicious smell fills the whole house, and my stomach starts growling, my mouth practically watering from the aroma.

As for me, my favorite activity is baking. In my kitchen, simple ingredients like flour, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs are transformed with my creativity and baking skills into sweet cakes, soft cookies, or fluffy bread. Seeing my family enjoy what I’ve made, eating happily and showering me with praise, makes me feel incredibly proud and satisfied.

By

杨善谊 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

My favorite plant is the sunflower. Each day, I gaze at pictures of sunflowers and dream of standing in a vast sea of golden blooms. I love their bright yellow hue—a color bursting with energy and life.

I still remember when I was six years old, my family and friends visited a giant sunflower field. Tens of thousands of sunflowers stretched as far as the eye could see, their faces glowing with vibrant yellow light. My eyes were soaked in that lively color, and for a moment, I felt like a sunflower myself. The field attracted many visitors—and countless busy bees gathering nectar from bloom to bloom. After the flowers fade, they leave behind seeds, arranged in perfect circles, each resting in its own tiny chamber—a marvel of nature. Those seeds are not only delicious but also full of nutrition, a perfect little snack.

What amazes me most is how sunflowers always turn their faces toward the sun, following its path across the sky—always reaching for the light. That’s why they are called “flowers that face the sun.”

I love sunflowers, and I love how they grow, always facing the sun.

By

陈骙钰 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

 [中文版本]

Kentlands is the place where I grew up. I love Kentlands because living here is comfortable, and life is very convenient.

My favorite place is Kentlands. I have lived here since I was three years old. When I was five, I started elementary school here. In second grade, I met a girl named Annie, who also lives in Kentlands. Since then, we have become best friends. Now I am in sixth grade, and she is still my best friend.

There are many advantages to living in Kentlands：There is a school nearby, so I don’t have to travel far for my education；There is a river where people can take walks along the water；Daily life is convenient, with a large shopping plaza that has all kinds of supermarkets.There are restaurants from different countries and even a farmers' market. Every Saturday, farmers bring fresh vegetables and fruits to the shopping plaza to sell.

I love living here because I have many friends, and I feel at home in this community.

By

黄君婻 翻译 (Translation) 2025-06-06

  [中文版本]

On the shelf near the window in my living room sits a Phalaenopsis orchid. It faces the azure sky and vast stretches of green trees. The orchid's flowers are a vibrant magenta, with centers displaying orange and pink hues. Its stem is green, fading gradually from a deep green to a lighter one. The leaves are attached to the stem. The leaves are oval-shaped and share a similar green shade to the stem. The flower rests carefully in a white porcelain pot.

What sets this flower apart from others are its distinctive characteristics. For example, the Phalaenopsis flower exhibits bilateral symmetry, meaning if you fold it along its central axis, the two halves mirror each other. Another feature is its sturdy, grey-green aerial roots, which allow it to firmly grip surfaces or hang freely, while absorbing moisture from the air. Its unique form makes it easily distinguishable from other flowers.

Another special aspect of the Phalaenopsis lies in its texture when touched. Its petals feel very soft, but the flower spike has visible nodes. The base of the spike is surprisingly soft, tapering upwards to a point, with nodes bearing scars from where old flowers have fallen off. The petals feel almost rubbery, while the leaves have a plastic-like feel. Because this is a real plant, it feels truly special to experience these textures!

For these orchids to thrive, they need proper care. Firstly, they require light, which is why Mom placed them on the shelf facing the window. Secondly, they need a good orchid potting mix that allows air to circulate around their roots. Finally, Phalaenopsis orchids dislike frequent watering because they have aerial roots.

In summary, the Phalaenopsis is not only a gorgeous flower but also possesses many unique traits. Its form and appearance are distinctive, and it requires appropriate care to grow healthily!

I love this Phalaenopsis orchid dearly, not only because it’s stunning when in bloom, but also because its blooms last up to six months. Every time I see it, I marvel at its beauty! Under my mom’s care, it reblooms year after year. Seeing new flower spikes emerge, Mom tells me it gives her a real sense of accomplishment.

By

秦夏依 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

 [中文版本]

1. General Information

The Washington Chinese Cultural Festival has been successfully held for 22 years and is one of the most influential cultural exchange events in the Chinese American community. Since 2023, TheZ载道 (http://thez.us/) has organized two successful junior essay competitions. The 2025 competition officially launched in June.

This is a great opportunity for young writers to showcase their talent and express their love for Chinese culture. Whether you are a Chinese American, an international student studying in the U.S. or China, or a non-Chinese youth passionate about Chinese culture — we warmly welcome your submission!

The essay competition, as a key brand activity of the festival, has attracted widespread attention and enthusiastic participation from youth. It has become a vital bridge for promoting Chinese culture and fostering China-U.S. youth exchanges. At an award ceremony, Chinese Embassy Consul General Zhu Di noted: “The Washington Chinese Cultural Festival is an important platform for China-U.S. cultural exchange, and the essay competition provides youth with the opportunity to showcase talent and express cultural identity.”

Founded in 2021 by Chinese American youth, TheZ（载道） is a bilingual platform dedicated to encouraging Chinese American youth to write in Chinese as a means of promoting cultural heritage. Its mission is: “Using writing to carry values, make friends through words, pass on culture with ink, and connect the world through text.” The platform has more than 10 editors and youth reporters, has received over 400 submissions, and published more than 700 Chinese and English works. Website: http://thez.us/

2. Theme

Title: A Bridge of Culture Connecting You and Me

Participants may choose from these sub-themes:

• My experience of the Chinese Cultural Festival

• My Story of Learning Chinese

• The Impact of Chinese Culture on My Growth

Theme Description:

In 2025, China-U.S. cultural exchanges continue to deepen, and the cultural bridge extends further. We invite youth worldwide to write about their treasured memories related to Chinese culture — whether an unforgettable festival experience, funny or challenging moments learning Chinese, warm memories of traditional holidays, a delicious Chinese dish, or wise words passed down through generations. Let’s use writing to build bridges, share true experiences, heartfelt reflections, and sincere love for Chinese culture with the world.

3. Organizers

• Organizer: Washington Chinese Cultural Festival Committee

• Advisor: Chinese School Association in the United States

• Host: TheZ.us (http://thez.us/)

4. Participants and Groups

Eligibility:

Youth aged 6–24 worldwide who love Chinese culture and care about China-U.S. relations, with good writing and expression skills.

Groups:

• Elementary school group

• Middle school group

• High school group

• International student group (in U.S. for 5 years or less)

• English group (entries in English; Chinese students must submit in English)

5. Submission Requirements

• Original title, clear theme, authentic content

• Well-organized, fluent writing

• Values original thought. AI-generated writing is strictly forbidden. 

• 300–2000 words (fewer words allowed for younger groups)

• Maximum one Chinese and one English submission per participant (no duplication of content)

6. Process

To address AI writing concerns, the competition consists of preliminary and on-site final rounds.

• Preliminary: Open submission, expert judges select finalists

• Final: On-site in Greater Washington area with live topic assignment, writing, and judging

• Award Ceremony: All participants invited to Washington DC for the event

Qualified works will be published on TheZ.us and awarded certificates. Outstanding works will also be featured online for public voting for the Popularity Award. Teachers recommending students may earn a Talent Scout Award based on number and quality of submissions. All works will be compiled into a publication.

7. Submission & Timeline

Method:

Submit online by scanning the QR code, completing the form, and uploading Word or PDF file.https://forms.gle/7ka8e5n7oj5aRhsN7

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ms. Li: 703-344-4172

Mr. Wang: 301-250-0119

Details: http://thez.us/

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: September 21, 2025

• Preliminary results: October 18, 2025

• Final & award ceremony: November 2, 2025

8. Festival On-Site Activities

TheZ students will participate in the festival, promote the competition at a booth, and organize an upgraded version of the “How Much Do You Know About Chinese Culture” challenge. All youth are welcome to join on-site activities.

9. Award Ceremony

This year’s competition features a new on-site final in Greater Washington. Finalists will write on-site with live topic assignment and judging. The award ceremony will be independently organized by TheZ（载道）.

We warmly welcome youth to participate, showcase their brilliance, and join in passing on and sharing the beauty of Chinese culture at the festival!

To view the award results of the previous two essay competitions, please visit The Z website at:
http://thez.us/index.php/essay-competition

By

载道 翻译 (Translation) 2025-07-24

  [中文版本]

My grandmother loves growing all kinds of flowers and herbs. Different kinds of plants grow all around our house; different flowers bloom during every season of the four—winter jasmine, peonies, roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, lilies, roses, dahlias, zinnias. Among them, my favorite flower is the peony.

Peonies come in a rainbow of colors—red, white, purple, yellow, and more. The row of peonies my grandmother planted in front of the house are pink. Whenever spring arrives, the peonies always radiate the brilliance of the season. The blooming flowers have layer upon layer of petals, thin and delicate in pink, wrapping around a pale, tender yellow pistil in the center. The pistil is plump like a kernel of corn, and the leaves are emerald green, sometimes still carrying dewdrops. When bathed in the morning light, the entire flower sparkles, dazzlingly bright and utterly enchanting. Breathing in the peony’s unique fragrance fills my heart with delight—it’s truly breathtaking!

Because of my grandmother’s love for gardening, whenever I have free time, I join her working in the yard, digging soil, pulling weeds, pruning branches, and watering plants—busy but full of joy. Gradually, I’ve learned a lot about flowers. Grandma told me: "The peony is China’s national flower, holding special meanings for the Chinese people. During the Tang Dynasty, peonies symbolized wealth, prosperity, and love. Many scholars wrote about their beauty, calling them 'the national beauty and heavenly fragrance' and 'the king of flowers'! Even today, Chinese people deeply admire the peony, seeing it as a noble and magnificent flower. During festive occasions, many people buy peonies as gifts for family and friends, as they symbolize wealth, peace, happiness, and good fortune—making them a beloved and cherished treasure."

After hearing Grandma’s words, I loved peonies even more. Not only for their noble beauty but also because they embody happiness and joy, bringing me endless delight. I cherish and enjoy the time spent working alongside Grandma. The days when the peonies bloom are the happiest days for our whole family. I love our peonies; they bloom not only in our garden but also in the hearts of everyone in our family.

By

杨善谊 翻译 (Translation) 2025-06-05

  [中文版本]

“Meow!” Have you heard that sound before? If you said it's a cat, then congratulations: you’re right! I think cats are the most adorable animals in the world.

If you didn’t know, a cat is an animal. They have two pointy ears, sharp claws, and fluffy bodies. Cats have tails and keen eyes. They come in all kinds of colors and have different personalities. Cats have four legs, and their claws are as sharp as their eyes.

My friend Huang Junhan recently got an adorable little kitten. It’s a calico cat named Mia. The first time I met Mia, I intimated her as she ran away to hide. Since my friend’s cat is so cute and beautiful, I always play with her and caress her fur whenever I visit. As I played with Mia more and more, she became less afraid of me, and before long, we became good friends. Now, whenever I go to my friend’s house, Mia no longer runs away or hides from me.

In my heart, cats are my favorite animals. Unlike dogs, they aren’t noisy—they’re very quiet, and they often comfort me when I’m feeling down. I really want to have a cat, but my mom doesn’t agree. So for now, I can only look at my friend’s cat and pictures on the computer. Still, I’m not sad, because I believe that when I grow up, I’ll definitely get a cat for myself.

So, even though I don’t have a cat right now, I’m sure I’ll use my own money to buy an adorable kitty one day. In my heart, there will always be a place for cats.

By

程心笛 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04