Young people across Europe are being invited to share their stories, ideas and creative visions of China-Europe friendship in a major international competition that offers the chance to win an unforgettable trip to China.

The Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union, with artistic support from the Royal Society for Encouragement of the Fine Arts (KoMASK), has officially launched the “Chinese and European Youth: Moving Forward Together” Cartoon and Short Video Creative Contest 2026.

The competition aims to strengthen mutual understanding between Chinese and European people by encouraging young creators to use art, animation, film and digital storytelling to explore cultural exchange, personal experiences and future aspirations for China-Europe relations.

A platform for creativity and dialogue

Organisers are calling on participants to submit original cartoons or short videos inspired by themes such as:

  • Experiencing Chinese Style
  • Visa-Free Travel to China
  • Youth Talking about China and Europe

Entries may highlight Chinese culture, daily life, technological development, travel experiences, study exchanges, or personal reflections on China-Europe cooperation and friendship.

The contest is open to young people aged 15 to 35 living in EU member states, with separate categories for amateur creators and professional artists or art students.

Attractive prizes on offer

The competition offers an impressive range of awards:

First Prize

Four winners will receive an organised trip to China. If a winner is unable to participate in the visit, they will instead receive a return air ticket between Belgium and China.

Second Prize

Eight winners will receive a high-end smartphone from a leading Chinese brand.

Third Prize

Twelve winners will receive a high-end smartwatch.

Most Popular Online Entry

One participant will win a laptop computer, based on online engagement and popularity.

All participants will receive an official certificate from the Chinese Mission to the EU and may also be invited to future exchange programmes and visits to China.

Submission guidelines

Cartoon category

Artists may use any drawing style, technique or medium. Both hand-drawn and digital works are accepted, provided they are submitted in JPG format.

Short video category

Videos may take the form of vlogs, documentaries, short films, music videos or other creative formats. Each video must not exceed five minutes and should be submitted in MP4 or MOV format.

All entries must be original works and must not have been previously submitted to other competitions or used commercially. AI-generated or AI-assisted works are not eligible.

How to enter

Participants should send their entries to:

youthchinaeu@gmail.com

The email subject line should read:

Chinese and European Youth: Moving Forward Together – Author Name – Title of Work

Entrants are also encouraged to post their work on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtag:

#YouthChinaEU

and to follow the Chinese Mission to the EU’s social media account:

@missionchinaeu

Important dates

  • Competition opens: Now
  • Submission deadline: 1 August 2026
  • Judging: September 2026
  • Award ceremony: To be announced following the selection process

Building bridges through creativity

As China and the European Union mark five decades of diplomatic relations, the organisers hope the competition will provide a platform for young people to share fresh perspectives, strengthen cultural understanding and contribute to people-to-people exchanges.

Through cartoons, films and digital storytelling, participants have an opportunity not only to showcase their artistic talents but also to help shape the next chapter of China-Europe friendship.

For full details and contest rules, participants can contact the organisers via youthchinaeu@gmail.com or follow @missionchinaeu on social media.

EU Reporter welcomes initiatives that encourage cultural dialogue, artistic expression and international understanding among young people.