The 4th Luobinwang International Children’s Poetry Contest award ceremony recently took place in Yiwu, Zhejiang, where a selection of 28 children’s poems created by renowned poets was publicly launched.
Li Jingze, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, presented awards to the young poets during the event. Named after the famous poet Luobinwang, the competition emphasizes playfulness, recitation, and innovation, aiming to establish itself as a national hallmark for children’s poetry and a premier venue for original children’s songs in the new era, as well as a tourist destination to experience “Children’s Songs + Travel.”
Since its inception in 2017, the contest has garnered significant attention and participation from both domestic and international contributors. In its first three editions, submissions came from 51 countries, including the United States, Japan, Spain, and Australia, with over 60,000 entries received, ultimately resulting in 235 award-winning works. This year’s contest, which began in November 2023 in Beijing, attracted enthusiastic submissions from 32 countries and regions, yielding a total of 27,587 entries.
In May, the Chinese Writers Association held a seminar in Beijing focused on promoting the creation and dissemination of children’s songs in the new era. From this event, a group of notable authors was selected to create new works, resulting in 28 fresh children’s songs, which were officially launched at the children’s poetry creation and dissemination seminar held in Yiwu earlier this month. This year’s contest awarded five first prizes, ten second prizes, twenty third prizes, and several commendations. Special “Organizational Awards” were granted to ten schools, including Macao Peizheng School, as well as “Excellent Guidance Teacher” awards to ten educators, including Li Xuezhi.
Notably, Yiwu has pioneered the “Children’s Songs + Travel” model, exploring a new mechanism for literary project management that integrates the launch of new works, recitation, and award ceremonies. At the “Children’s Songs: Enchanted Forest Night,” a dramatic presentation titled “Forest Mother, I Love You” showcased the premiere of six songs by notable poets. Three choirs performed a medley of songs including “Outburst of Courage,” “Let’s Row Our Boat,” and “Selling Newspapers,” while a combined children’s choir sang “Edelweiss” and cultural performances featured innovative interpretations and street dance that captivated the audience.
During the award ceremony, Li Jingze remarked, “A good children’s poem illuminates the lives of children like a lamp.” He expressed that this is a magical evening, and as the Luobinwang International Children’s Poetry Contest continues, it will shine with even brighter brilliance in the hearts of more children.
The contest is sponsored by the Children’s Literature Committee of the Chinese Writers Association and the Zhejiang Provincial Writers Association, with academic guidance from “Chinese Campus Literature.”
