Quzhou, a city in eastern China, recently launched an "International expression of Quzhou spirit in the new era" contest, inviting entries from around the world.

The contest calls on people worldwide to render its slogan - "新时代衢州人文精神:崇贤有礼、开放自信、创新争先" - into English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic. Participants are also required to share how they understand the Quzhou spirit with a description between 300 and 500 words in their native languages, as well as the Chinese translations of the text. Both the contributors of the best translations and the finalists will be awarded, with up to 20,000 yuan in cash prizes.

The English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic translations of "新时代衢州人文精神:崇贤有礼、开放自信、创新争先," supported by a 300-to-500-word description of your understanding of the slogan as well as the city.

When?

From the date of announcement to May 31, 2023.

Who can participate?

Any organization, group, or individual around the world.

Requirements:

1. The translation should keep to the point, and be concise, clear, fluent, appealing, and in line with the image of Quzhou city.

2. The translation should be supported by 300 to 500 words on your understanding of the message conveyed in the slogan and of the city. A corresponding Chinese version is also needed.

How to submit?

Email your entries in the Microsoft Word format to qzrwjs@163.com with the title of "新时代衢州人文精神的国际表达." Please specify the name, nationality, address, and contact number of the participating translator(s).

Please contact Mr. Luo at 0570-3011163, or 0086-0570-3011163 for international calls, if you have any question.

Awards:

There will be one best translation award for each of the five language tracks, with a bonus of 20,000 yuan for each award, totaling 100,000 yuan. Five finalists will be awarded in each language track, with a bonus of 1,000 yuan for each award, totaling 25,000 yuan. All bonuses awarded are pre-tax, and the tax of each award shall be borne by its winner.

What else?

1. The translation must be original and unpublished material that does not infringe any copyright, trademark right, proprietary right, or other rights of a third party. The responsibility for any legal disputes arising from plagiarism, borrowing , infringement, or other issues lies solely with the translator(s), and the contest organizer shall not bear any legal liability.

2. Once the translation work is submitted and awarded, it is deemed that the participant agrees that the contest organizer has the intellectual property rights (including copyright, authorship right, and trademark right) of the translation work.

3. Please do not submit repetitive translations. In the case of duplicate translations, the first submission in chronological order will be considered.

4. Please submit the translation via the official channel. There is no fee for participating in the contest. The contest organizer reserves the right to pursue legal liability against any organization or individual who charges fees to participants. 

5. The award-winning translations will not necessarily be the only accepted versions for the official translations, and the contest organizer has the right to publish revised versions of the translations.

6. The prizes will be paid in RMB.

7. The contest organizer reserves the right of final interpretation of the contest rules.

About Quzhou city

Located in eastern China, Quzhou became a city about 4,300 years ago, and its history of rice farming can be traced back nearly 10,000 years. Throughout ancient and modern times, Quzhou has been home to a number of sages and visionaries, whose hard work and great contributions to the city has made them an important part of its history. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, especially since the reform and opening up policy, numerous outstanding entrepreneurs and role models have emerged here. These people with courteous demeanors and a love for Quzhou have epitomized the city's spiritual pursuit, and gave Quzhou a profound spiritual heritage. 

In July 2022, Quzhou unveiled its slogan that encapsulates its highly regarded values - "崇贤有礼、开放自信、创新争先 ." "崇贤有礼" simplifies Quzhou people's consistent pursuit for virtue and kindness, "开放自信" represents Quzhou people's generosity, inclusiveness, and resilience, and "创新争先" reflects Quzhou people's pioneering and enterprising spirit.

These values not only inherit and carry forward the finest parts of traditional Chinese culture, but also pass on the merits of earlier generations . As such, they are widely recognized as the hallmark of Quzhou's spiritual identity in the new era.

Now, Quzhou people have incorporated these values into their daily lives, resulting in progress across the board in the city.

Major projects such as the Hangzhou-Quzhou high-speed railway have reshaped the city's landscape, and helped to comprehensively revive Southern Confucianism culture. The ancient city culture has also significantly increased the city's reputation and influence. Progress in major reforms for streamlined government services and better application of digital technologies has made the city a role model of reform and innovation across the province. Efforts in improving the business environment and advocating courtesy has given a great boost to the city's cultural strength.

Since the turn of the new century, Quzhou have undergone profound changes, including reviving its cultural legacy, leveraging its ecological strengths, shifting its development model, and committing to reform and innovation. Through these transformational practices, Quzhou people have built up their confidence, determination, and enterprising spirit.