NANJING, CHINA
The Nanjing International Writers Residency
The Nanjing International Writers Residency aims to bridge the city’s vibrant literary community with its international counterparts. Launched in 2019, this annual program has welcomed 30 writers, poets, and translators from the UNESCO Cities of Literature network. Each year, Nanjing offers 5–7 residencies to writers, poets, and translators, fostering cultural exchange and creative collaboration across borders.
Location
The residency takes place in Nanjing, China.
Length and Dates of Residency
The residency has different dates each year. Applications are due about two weeks after the Open Call is published.
What is Included
The residency includes
Air travel from writer's home City of Literature
Accommodation during the residency
Transportation in the residency City of Literature
Meals during residency
What is Expected of the Resident
Be fluent in spoken English, or Chinese.
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 recognized 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 recognized 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 Center)
More Information
With a literary tradition spanning over 1,800 years, Nanjing served as China’s capital for approximately 400 years across six dynasties. The city’s rich cultural heritage and diverse contemporary culture have established it as a highly attractive destination for travelers, while also making a significant contribution to modern Chinese literature — a potentially unexplored treasure for international writers.
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