China–Vietnam Literary Translation Competition Brings Together 1,228 Students from 82 Universities
The award ceremony of the second online China–Vietnam Literary Translation Competition took place at Hoa Sen University in Ho Chi Minh City on 20 October 2026. The competition attracted 1,228 students from 82 universities and colleges in China and Vietnam, bringing young people together through literature, translation and cultural exchange.
Among those attending were Từ Châu, Acting Consul General of China in Ho Chi Minh City; Nguyễn Lệ Chi, General Director of Chibooks; Trịnh Bích Ngân, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association; and Nguyễn Tuấn Đức, Vice Rector of Hoa Sen University. More than 200 guests attended the ceremony.
Tô Oánh Oánh, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, also delivered a video address.
During the event, Từ Châu encouraged young people in both countries to use literature as a medium and translation as a bridge for cultural exchange, helping to continue the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam.
The competition was jointly organised by the Consulate General of China in Ho Chi Minh City and Chibooks. The Vietnam Studies Centre at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Hoa Sen University hosted the event, with support from the China Writers Association and the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association.
The competition formed part of the 2026 China–Vietnam literary exchange activities marking the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Running from 21 April to 15 October 2026, it included poetry and prose translation rounds and was open to students majoring in Chinese or Vietnamese language studies.
Two Students Win First Prize in Translation Categories
Nguyễn Ngọc Kim Ánh (阮玉金映) from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, won first prize in the Chinese-to-Vietnamese category. Trần Oánh Oánh (陈莹莹) from Sichuan International Studies University won first prize in the Vietnamese-to-Chinese category.
First-, second- and third-prize winners will have an opportunity to participate in next year's China Red Study Tour.
Literary translation requires more than knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Translators must understand the meaning, tone and cultural references of a text and express them clearly in another language. For students learning Chinese, reading literature can provide further insight into Chinese expression, history and culture.
Chinese Language Learning Opens More Opportunities
Chinese language skills can help international students explore Chinese literature, communicate with local people and become more familiar with life in China. Students can begin by comparing available Chinese language programmes according to their current language level, learning goals and intended length of study.
For those planning to pursue a university degree in China, language learning can also be part of a wider preparation plan. The appropriate route depends on the student's educational background, target programme and the admission requirements of the chosen university.
SICAS is currently promoting its Spring Pre-University Programme for March 2027. The programme is designed for international students who want a period of preparation before applying for undergraduate study in China. Students can consider whether a preparatory pathway suits their academic needs and application plans.
The programme offers six-month and one-year study options. Students should review their own circumstances and confirm the relevant arrangements before choosing a study duration. Completing a preparatory programme does not guarantee admission to a degree course; students must still meet the admission requirements of their chosen universities and submit separate undergraduate applications where required.
International students preparing for the 2027 intake can also read the 2027 undergraduate admission guide to learn about university selection, language requirements, application documents and other steps involved in planning their studies.
The China–Vietnam Literary Translation Competition shows how language learning can bring young people closer to another country's literature and culture. For students interested in China, developing Chinese language skills and preparing carefully for university study can be valuable steps towards a future academic experience.
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