LCI Chinese Character Writing Competition

Published on

A person writing Chinese characters in ink on red paper.

Take part in our Chinese character writing competition, celebrating this ancient Chinese art form.

The competition will be split into two rounds and is open to all ages. Please see below for more information and eligibility criteria.

 

First round
Deadline 21st May 2025

Pick one of the four selected classical Chinese poems from below. Copy the Chinese characters neatly by hand using a pen. Submit your work via email at lci@liverpool.ac.uk by attaching a photo of the submission.

Successful submissions and finalists will be announced by 24th May 2025.

Final
Our grand final is set to take place on Saturday 31st May 2025 at the LCI Space, 126 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L69 3GW. Attendance will be mandatory for finalists to be eligible to win. Prizes and certificates will also be awarded.

Who can apply?

  • Non-Chinese nationals only;
  • Applicants who have not lived in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan.

Note: The final eligibility is determined by the competition committee.

For more information or questions, contact lci@liverpool.ac.uk.

 

Classical Chinese Poems

Poem 1

《静夜思》 李白

床前明月光，
疑是地上霜。
举头望明月，
低头思故乡。

English translation: 

Quiet Night Thoughts
By Li Bai

Before my bed, the moonlight gleams,
I wonder if it's frost that streams.
I lift my head to view the moon,
Then bow in thoughts of home so soon.

Poem 2

《登鹳雀楼》 王之涣

白日依山尽，
黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，
更上一层楼。

English translation: 

Climbing Stork Tower
By Wang Zhihuan

The sun beyond the mountains glows,
The Yellow River seawards flows.
To see a thousand miles afar,
Climb one more floor—it takes you far.

Poem 3

《一去二三里》 佚名

一去二三里，
烟村四五家。
亭台六七座，
八九十枝花。

English translation:

A Stroll of a Few Miles
Anonymous

One mile, two, then three I go,
Four or five homes in village glow.
Six or seven towers arise,
Eight, nine, ten flowers catch my eyes.

Poem 4

《画》  王维

远看山有色，
近听水无声。
春去花还在，
人来鸟不惊。

English translation

The Painting
By Wang Wei

From far, the mountains show their hue,
Up close, the streams are silent too.
Spring departs, yet flowers stay—
Birds don't flee when folks pass their way.