The 2026 Jiangsu Youth Calligraphy Competition concluded successfully in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Aug 16.

Hosted by Phoenix Publishing and Media Group and a provincial calligraphers association, the event attracted over 1,000 young participants from across the province and beyond, showcasing their calligraphy skills.

The 2026 Jiangsu Youth Calligraphy Competition concludes in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Aug 16.

Among the standout participants was 12-year-old Zou Xiangyang from the Nanjing Social Children Welfare Institute. Despite a unique way of holding his brush due to special hand conditions, Zou impressed the judges with his dedication and skill.

Zou Xiangyang (second from left) from the Nanjing Social Children Welfare Institute.

Since beginning his calligraphy journey in 2024, he has practiced without missing a day, progressing from Yan-style regular script to small seal script. His hard work paid off as he won the top prize in this year's competition. A silver medal in 2024 came as an earlier achievement.

Fan Yiyi, a second-grader from Lishui Zhuangyuanfang Primary School, won the gold medal in the penmanship category for young children. She noted that learning calligraphy improved her handwriting, which no longer cost her points in exams.

Wang Zihe, a nine-year-old from Shengze New Town Experimental Primary School, clinched the gold medal in the small middle group for soft-brush calligraphy. Passionate about this traditional Chinese art, Wang expressed his joy at upgrading from a silver medal last year to gold this year, and he is determined to aim for the top prize next year.

Xu Jiachi from Suqian Experimental Primary School's third grade won a silver medal in his first competition this year. While pleased with his achievement, he acknowledged the need to improve his composure and preparation for future contests.

Shao Zhiqiang, founder of Nantong Jinbang Painting and Calligraphy Training, highlighted the benefits of competition in broadening students' horizons and boosting their enthusiasm for calligraphy.

Meanwhile, Yu Binbin from Kunshan Huigu Academy praised the event's high standards, emphasizing the learning and growth opportunities for participants.

In addition to the competition, a study tour for the participants was held on Aug 15. They toured Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Nanjing S&T Museum, which allowed them to experience China's technological prowess.

A study tour for the participants takes place on Aug 15.