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The Launch of the 2025 Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize

On April 15, 2025, the Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize announced its eighth edition, inviting submissions that will run through May 15. This esteemed accolade aims to celebrate and support talented young writers under the age of 45 within the realm of Chinese literature. The highly anticipated recognition will culminate in an award ceremony in October.

Winners of the prize will receive considerable acknowledgment for their contributions. Notably, the grand prize winner will be awarded 300,000 yuan, with additional rewards of 20,000 yuan allocated to finalists who will also receive the prestigious title of Young Friend of Blancpain. This initiative seeks to inspire and empower the next generation of writers, encouraging them to pursue their literary ambitions.

The Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize is renowned for its impartiality and professional integrity, aiming to discover remarkable voices in literature. Co-sponsored by the esteemed Swiss watchmaker Blancpain and the influential Chinese publisher Imaginist, the award emphasizes the importance of literature and reading in enhancing the quality of life. The motto of the prize echoes, “Reading makes time more valuable,” reinforcing the cultural significance of literature.

For the 2025 edition, the jury features notable figures from the Chinese literature scene, comprising Huang Ziping, Li Zishu, Lu Qingyi, Shi Zhanjun, and Sun Ganlu. These distinguished members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the evaluation process, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the submitted works.

Theme of the Year

The theme for this year, "Time's Eternal Forking Paths," draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges’ classic short story, The Garden of Forking Paths. The story illustrates the complexity of time and narrative, reflecting humanity's struggle to break free from conventional historical narratives. As literature serves to give voice to marginalized stories and perspectives, this theme underlines the necessity of preserving diverse narratives that challenge prevailing norms.

The award aims to acknowledge not only literary talent but also the essential dialogues surrounding time and existence within our rapidly evolving world. As we navigate through the noise of curated realities often amplified by the internet, the call for authentic articulation becomes more pressing. Young writers are encouraged to explore the intricacies of their realities through narrative forms that transcend the limitations imposed by linear storytelling.

Submission Guidelines

To participate, entries must be original works in Simplified Chinese, published as standalone volumes between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, within mainland China. Only first-time publications are eligible. Authors must be 45 years old or younger at the time of their work's original publication.

Both publishers and individual authors can submit entries directly. For publisher submissions, detailed forms, along with copies of the work, must be submitted. Authors choosing to self-nominate should attach their identification alongside their manuscripts.

Future Outlook

As the literary landscape continues to shift, opportunities for budding authors to emerge are crucial. The Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize is committed to supporting young writers, fostering a vibrant literary community over the coming years. Notable literary figures from the past have emerged through similar recognition and awards, showcasing the importance of such platforms for emerging writers who strive for excellence.

In the pursuit of outstanding literature, the Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize seeks to create pathways for young authors to shape the narratives of tomorrow, while also weaving together the fabric of diverse stories across multiple timelines. As recipients of this accolade take their initial steps, they embody the transformative power of literature, a testament to the essence of human expression and creativity.

For further details regarding submission and eligibility, interested parties can stay updated via the official website.