Short Description
Nanjing International Writers Residency means to bridge the city’s literary community with its international counterparts. This yearly programme was initiated in 2019. To this day, over 30 writers, poets, comic writers and translators from the subnetwork have been hosted by the program.
Nanjing boasts a literary tradition of over 1800 years. The city served as China’s capital for about 400 years across six dynasties. Besides having the cultural legacy built through those dynasties, the city has made an impact in modern Chinese literature, a possible unexplored treasure house for international writers.
The Theme
The theme for 2025 programme is “Literary Masters and The City”. Some literary masters, like the great poet Li Bai, and the modern time master of novels and essays Lu Xun, have written great works during their stay in Nanjing. Their spirits continue to inspire people generations after generations in many ways, their legacy is what the city of Nanjing remembers through multiple events every year. With the 2025 programme, we would like to invite six writers to deeply experience the life in Nanjing. This may include the literary events, reading clubs, cultural adventures, city walks, random encounters and meetings etc. simply to probe into diversified aspects of Nanjingers’ life today.
We hope that the daily life in Nanjing will become an inspiration for literary creation, and that literature will ultimately light up the brilliant sparks of our lives.
Eligibility
- Be connected to a UNESCO City of Literature (either a resident or one who works or studies in that city, or has other connections with that city as recognised in writing by a UNESCO City of Literature office)
- Have at least three-year experience in writing, or at least one published work ( book in print, all genres acceptable), or have received awards that are recognised by your local literary communities.
- Be willing to interact with Nanjing’s literary communities, emerging and established writers; as well as to partake in local literary activities;
- Write a piece of work in English (no less than 1000 words, or 50 lines for poetry) that is inspired by the residency, or translate Chinese stories, poems or prose into English; (All the virtual writers will retain the copyrights of their works. Please understand the works might be used for promotional purpose by Nanjing Literature Centre)
- Be fluent in spoken English, or Chinese;
Submission Requirements
- A CV with a passport photo and a life size photo;
- Extracts from his/her published works;
- Proof in writing of his/her connection with a City of Literature, when applicable.
How to Apply
Please send all the required materials to the following emails: info@njliterature.org or zhao.sifan@njliterature.org
Program Benefits & Awards
- 10-15 day in-person residency in Nanjing City of Literature;
- Tours to culture landmarks and literary places in Nanjing;
- A selection of local literary activities.
- Dialogue with Nanjing writers, poets, translators, literary organisations, and students;
- The flight tickets, food, accommodation, and local transport will be provided;
- And a stipend of 1200 USD for each writer-in-residence.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Nanjing, China
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
- Residency Period: 15 July and 30 July
Website Link: https://www.dublincityofliterature.ie/open-call-for-nanjing-international-writers-residencies-2025/
