The 2025 "Century-old Lilac Poetry Fair" was launched in Beijing on Friday, bringing together over 200 poets and poetry enthusiast across the world, to showcase the charm of Chinese culture and foster cultural exchange.
Co-sponsored by China Media Group and Beijing Xicheng District People's Government, the annual poetry event's opening ceremony featured cross-generational performances, with actors from different age groups sharing the stage.
The performances at the opening ceremony blending music, dance and poetry in creative ways, presented a visual and cultural feast for audiences. A Global Chinese Poetry Collection initiative was also launched at the event.
Various cultural zones, including a literature salon, recitation hub and poetry-and-music lounge, have been set up for international guests who highlight the importance of cultural exchange.
"Cultural exchange is very important, when we understand each other's cultures we have a better understanding for the others. And also nowadays, especially China is opening up on different countries. It's not only the culture, but we can cooperate in different sides," said a poet from Morocco.
"There are many differences in international society nowadays, but we can also find ways to communicate, so it is very important to enhance exchanges between countries," said another poet from Colombia.
The Lilac Poetry Fair is a traditional cultural event that has been passed down since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to this day, spanning centuries. Notable Chinese literary figures like Ji Xiaolan, Gu Tinglin, Gong Zizhen, and Lin Zexu have all been part of this historic tradition.
Poetry fair held in Beijing to promote Chinese culture, enhance cultural exchange
