Poetry & Greenery: Welcome to Nanning’s Second International Poetry Week!
Well, well, well! Gather ’round, lovers of the literary and odd enthusiasts of all things poetic! If you thought poetry was just for sulking in coffee shops with a beret and a mysterious past, think again! This November 9th, Nanning, China, has decided to throw a shindig like no other at the Second Nanning International Poetry Week—and the theme is: “Let Poetry Illuminate the Green City.” Because, why just light a candle for your love life when you can illuminate an entire city with rhymes and meter?
An International Affair
Picture this: poets from all over the globe throwing down the gauntlet in this energetic city. Over 70 poets from various provinces in China and far-off lands like Colombia and Singapore congregate like it’s a magical Harry Potter reunion—but with less wand-waving and more sonnet-spouting. They gather not just to exchange sonnets but also to mingle in the name of cultural exchange, which is basically the fancy way of saying, “Let’s all get together so we can argue about whether T.S. Eliot is better than Rumi while sipping overpriced artisanal teas.”
The Poetic Voyage
During this luminous week of poetic festivities, attendees will engage in activities that would make any artist’s heart flutter. They’re launching a poetry anthology titled Poetic Green City, filled with 116 thrilling creations birthed from the first Poetry Week. So if you’ve ever fancied your musings on the restroom wall as eligible for publication, this might just set the tone for your poetic aspirations!
But wait! There’s more! The poets will also embark on brave expeditions across Nanning, exploring picturesque spots that are as Instagram-worthy as your last vacation filter! From the bustling Panlong Community to the serene Qingxiu Mountain, poets will wander through Nanning’s vibrant landscape—think of it as a poetry field trip with slightly less fussing over school lunches but twice the chance to pen down their marvels. And if that doesn’t inspire a sonnet, I don’t know what will!
Nanning: A Culture Hub?
What’s the ultimate aim, you ask? To mold Nanning into “China’s Green City” and to make sure poetry doesn’t just hide in the shadows of dusty books and old libraries. Instead, the idea is to smother the citizens in poetic sentiment until they’re practically dripping with metaphorical elegance. They’re looking to deepen mutual understanding and share civilizations through verses that are basically a hoedown of cultural exchange. It’s either that or a really elaborate dinner party where everyone talks in rhymes. Let’s hope it’s the former!
Let’s Get Lit-erary!
In a world increasingly saturated with digital noise and ads interrupting your cat videos, this initiative serves to remind us how beautiful and impactful poetry can be in fostering friendship and connection. So, folks, if you’re a poet, hit the road to Nanning. If you’re a poetry lover, grab your best beret and prepare for an enlightening journey! And if you’re just bored and scrolling, take a moment to appreciate that this lovely, green city is putting poetry on the map—because, let’s face it, we could all do with a little more light in our lives…and perhaps less TikTok scrolling!
This week isn’t just about reading poems; it’s about breathing life into the very essence of what poetry stands for: creativity, connectivity, and of course, the undeniable urge to throw some shade when you hear a rhyme you disagree with!
The Publicity Department of the Nanning Municipal Party Committee
Nanning, China (ANTARA/Xinhua-AsiaNet) – On November 9, the Second Nanning International Poetry Week commenced with great enthusiasm, co-hosted by the esteemed Poetry Journal of the China Writers Association along with the Publicity Department of the Nanning Municipal Party Committee. This prestigious event has attracted poets from across China and various countries, uniting them in a celebration of poetry and offering a vibrant depiction of Nanning, renowned as a model Green City.
The 2nd Nanning International Poetry Week is a key highlight of the 2nd China-ASEAN (Nanning) Cultural Month, showcasing the theme “Let Poetry Illuminate the Green City.” This year’s edition emphasizes poetry as a conduit for dreams and aspirations, creating a valuable platform for international cultural dialogue and facilitating connections to distant horizons. Over 70 distinguished poets from China’s diverse provinces and regions, along with talented contributors from countries such as Colombia and Singapore, have gathered in Nanning to engage in this artistic exchange, significantly enriching the cultural tapestry through their shared passion for poetry.
The event will unveil a new poetry anthology titled Poetic Green City, featuring an impressive collection of 116 poems crafted during the inaugural Poetry Week. Participants can look forward to poetic recitals, as well as immersive creative field trips throughout Nanning. The poets will embark on excursions to several noteworthy locations, including Panlong Community, Pinglu Canal, and the Eastern Industrial New City. Additionally, they will explore Qingxiu Mountain, the vibrant Three Streets and Two Alleys, the serene China Jasmine Garden, and Sanli Yangdu. As part of their experience, the poets will also attend the “Love in Nanning” singles music event, allowing them to absorb the modern urban landscape, thriving development, and bustling city life of Nanning—elements that are sure to ignite their creative inspiration and gradually unveil the rich, poetic narrative of this dynamic city.
Nanning aspires to establish poetry as a defining cultural emblem of “China’s Green City,” promoting deep-seated friendships through the art of verse. The poetry born from this initiative will reflect and celebrate the inherent beauty of Nanning and Guangxi. By bringing poetry closer to the citizens, Nanning aims to infuse the city with artistic sentiment, fostering cultural exchanges between China and the wider world, ultimately deepening mutual understanding and enhancing the shared journey of civilizations.
Source: The Publicity Department of the Nanning Municipal Party Committee
**Interview with Po Chen, a Poet and Organizer of the Nanning International Poetry Week**
*Interviewer: Good morning, Po. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming Second Nanning International Poetry Week! It sounds like an exciting event. Could you give us a little background on what inspired this year’s theme “Let Poetry Illuminate the Green City”?*
**Po Chen:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. The theme reflects our desire to showcase Nanning not only as a green city but also as a cultural hub where poetry can thrive. We want to highlight the interplay between nature and creativity, essentially how poetry can serve as a beacon, inspiring both locals and visitors to appreciate the beauty around them and to engage meaningfully with one another.
*Interviewer: That’s lovely! With over 70 poets participating from various countries, can you tell us more about the cultural exchange that you envision during the event?*
**Po Chen:** Absolutely! We’re excited to see poets from diverse backgrounds converging here. It’s not just about reciting poems, but sharing experiences and perspectives. Poets will engage in discussions and workshops, allowing them to learn from one another. We hope that these exchanges can break down cultural barriers and foster a deeper understanding among different societies through the universal language of poetry.
*Interviewer: Now I hear there’s a poetry anthology titled “Poetic Green City” launching during the event. Can you share more about it?*
**Po Chen:** Yes! That anthology collects 116 poems inspired by last year’s festivities. Contributors explore themes related to our environment, dreams, and the human experience. It serves not only as a collection of art but also as a testament to the power of poetry to connect us with current issues like environmental preservation. We hope many people will find inspiration in these pages.
*Interviewer: Sounds inspiring indeed! You mentioned excursions through picturesque locations like Qingxiu Mountain. How essential are these experiences to the poetic process?*
**Po Chen:** They are incredibly important! Nature has always kindled creativity—we believe that the stunning landscapes of Nanning will stimulate the poets’ imaginations, leading to new insights and fresh works. We structure these outings as a kind of poetic pilgrimage, where poets can soak in the beauty around them and then create vibrant pieces as a result.
*Interviewer: as we discuss the impact of poetry in today’s digital age, what message do you hope attendees take away from this event?*
**Po Chen:** We want attendees to remember that poetry can be a powerful tool for connection, not just during the week itself but in their everyday lives. In an era filled with distractions and digital noise, allowing space for creativity, reflection, and dialogue can enrich our lives and communities. Poetry has the potential to create lasting bonds and illuminate paths toward understanding.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Po. This sounds like a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity! We look forward to hearing more about the Second Nanning International Poetry Week.*
**Po Chen:** Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Nanning for this unforgettable experience.
