The 2026 International Youth Poetry Festival opened in Guangzhou on Saturday, bringing together more than 100 poets, writers and scholars from China and 13 Arab countries for a nine-day celebration of literature and cultural exchange. Running until May 17, the event highlights growing people-to-people connections between China and the Arab world through poetry, dialogue and shared artistic experiences.   The opening ceremony featured a vibrant mix of performances, including folk music, poetry recitals and multimedia presentations inspired by both Chinese and Arab literary traditions. Participants also explored Guangzhou’s rich cultural heritage through visits to landmarks such as the Guangdong Literature Museum, where they experienced Lingnan culture and intangible cultural heritage traditions.   Organised by the China Writers Association, the festival will continue with poetry readings, academic forums and cultural activities in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Beijing. Since its launch in 2024, the International Youth Poetry Festival has become an influential platform for international literary exchange, with previous editions focusing on BRICS and Latin American countries.