International Photography Contest “The Silk Road Through the Eyes of Youth”
2026-06-30 / Calendar of events
This competition, organized within the framework of the Silk Roads Programme, aims to showcase the creative potential of young people aged 14–25, promote the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of the Silk Roads, and foster intercultural dialogue.
The main theme of the 2026 competition is “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads.” This theme focuses on portraying customs, traditions, craftsmanship, art, gastronomy, and other forms of intangible cultural heritage that have been passed down from generation to generation throughout the Silk Roads regions.
Participants are invited to submit photographs illustrating the cultural life and heritage of communities living along the Silk Roads. In particular, photographs depicting traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, and pottery; traditional sports and national games; folk music and dance; examples of oral traditions; national dishes and culinary traditions; scientific and cultural exchanges; festivals; and scenes of everyday life are accepted.
All young people aged between 14 and 25 years old are eligible to participate in the competition.
Participants will be evaluated in the following two age categories:
• 14–17 years old;
• 18–25 years old.
Participation in the competition is free of charge.
Upon completion of the competition, three prize winners will be selected in each age category, for a total of six winners, and will receive the following awards:
• 1st Prize — Professional digital SLR camera with an 18–55 mm lens;
• 2nd Prize — Semi-professional digital camera;
• 3rd Prize — Digital camera.
According to the competition rules, participants may submit up to 20 photographs. Photographs must be in JPEG or JPG format, correspond to the competition theme, and be accompanied by a description in English. Horizontal photographs must have a minimum width of 1,500 pixels, while vertical photographs must have a minimum height of 1,500 pixels.
Participants aged 14–17 must provide a consent letter from their parent or legal guardian. Employees of UNESCO and the China World Peace Foundation, as well as their close relatives, are not eligible to participate in the competition. In addition, photographs generated using artificial intelligence (AI) are not permitted.
Applications will be accepted until 30 June 2026. Applications must be submitted online. To participate, applicants must first register and create a personal account. The application form must be completed in English.
This international photography contest aims to develop the creative abilities of young people, promote the shared cultural heritage of the peoples of the Silk Roads, and strengthen international cultural cooperation.
Additional information is available via the link.