Across Mountains and Seas: How Chinese and Arab Youth Become Kindred Spirits Through Poetry

What happens when young poets from China and Arab countries come together? Poetry turns into a common language across cultures and borders.

The 2026 International Youth Poetry Festival (China–Arab States Session), held from May 8 to 17 across Guangdong and Beijing, gathers over 40 young poets and sinologists from 13 Arab nations alongside more than 40 Chinese poets. The opening gala on May 9 at the Guangzhou Cultural & Arts Centre presented the attendees with a poetic feast weaving together music, dance, and visual storytelling. The journey continued with visits to the landmark attractions such as the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, the Great Wall and the Palace Museum in Beijing, and to Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Tencent, mixed with a rich variety of exchanges and poetry-themed activities.

What sparks will this grand literary meeting ignite? And how can Chinese and Arab young people become kindred spirits through poetry? Follow us into the latest episode of GenZ Pop Quiz, and hear young poets from China, Sudan, and Kuwait share their profound insights on poetry and its unique role in cross-cultural exchange.

Chief Producer: Zhao Haijian

Supervising Producer: Huang Yanshu

Content: Huang Zihao, Wu Wanjie

Poster: Zheng Jiaqi

Overseas Operations Supervising Producer: Huang Yanshu

Overseas Content Coordinator: Huang Zihao

Overseas Operations Editors: Zhuang Huan, Wu Wanjie, Long Lihua, Zheng Quanyi

Produced by: Southern Finance Media Corp.