All entries should be based on the theme for 2026, New Tales of China’s Silk Road. One winner will be chosen in each of the groups, and one lucky student will be named The Hong Kong Young Writer of 2026.
New Tales of China’s Silk Road
Twenty-two centuries ago, some intrepid Chinese people spent months trekking westwards to see if they could sell silk to new customers.
The trip was a big success—and soon grew into a two-way trade route, joining Europe to China’s Chang’an, which became the biggest city in the world.
The Silk Road became one of the most important journeys in history, with east and west exchanging wonderful foods, remarkable inventions, stunning art, and creative ideas.
It remained popular for more than one and a half thousand years, finally disappearing in the mid-1400s.
But it was revived in 2013 and quickly become the biggest international trade project in world history, with 150 countries becoming involved.
You could write about the first people to do the journey. Or the last!
Or about people from different countries learning about each other.
Or you could write about what the new Silk Road could achieve, as the world changes.
Use your imagination!
Please note that we do not accept submissions directly from students. Students must first submit to their schools, which will then have to choose ten entries to forward to the next round of the contest. Contact the teacher who is in charge of the competition at your school.