The 2026 International Youth Poetry Festival (China–Arab States Session) opened in Guangzhou on the evening of May 9, launching a 10-day cultural exchange that brings together more than 100 young poets from China and the Arab world.
At the opening ceremony held at the Guangzhou Cultural & Art Center, poets from both sides shared the stage and performed classic works from their literary traditions, including On the Stork Tower (《登鹳雀楼》) by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Zhihuan and Osmanthus (《桂花》) by Arab poet Adonis. Under the theme “Poetry speaks to hearts across the world,” a symbolic lighthouse representing friendship and youth was lit, marking the official start of the festival.
The programme runs from May 8 to 17 and is divided into two stages, starting in Guangdong and later continuing in Beijing. It features visits to cultural landmarks, historical sites, as well as academic exchanges and literary dialogues.
In the lead-up to the opening ceremony, participants had already begun their cultural journey in Guangzhou, visiting the Guangdong Literary Museum and the Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, as well as XPENG, gaining first-hand experience of the region’s literary heritage, intangible cultural traditions, and modern technological innovation.
Throughout the Guangdong leg of the programme, poets will also take part in spontaneous on-site writing, creating new works inspired by their journey. On May 12, the final day of the Guangdong segment, the Pearl River Poetry Night will be held. The event will bring together participating poets to present their newly created works, highlighting cross-cultural exchange and literary dialogue in a live setting.
Text: Li Muzi, Zeng Zhuorui (Intern)
Photo: Li Muzi