Chinese Excellence in Children's Illustration

Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration is a showcase celebrating the very best of contemporary Chinese illustrators, offering the global community fresh insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Inspired by the acclaimed Italian Excellence initiative, this annual project is jointly organised by BolognaFiere/Bologna Children’s Book Fair, China South Publishing & Media Group, and Sìdee Cultural Communication.

Participation is reserved to Chinese citizens – over the age of 18 - from Chinese Mainland, China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions, as well as overseas countries and regions.

Each year, a distinguished jury of Chinese and international experts selects the Winner of the Year’ and/or the ‘Work of the Year’ among a group of chosen Chinese artists, creating a dynamic portrait of contemporary Chinese illustration and opening a window onto its diverse artistic traditions.

Why participate?
Chinese Excellence gives illustrators unique international exposure, connecting them directly with leading publishers, agents, and art directors from all over the world.

How to participate?
Illustrators could submit single artwork or completed works (stand alone or series).
Entries must be submitted in a digital format.
For more details and REGISTRATION check the rules.

Submission Deadline
Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025 (Late submissions will not be included in the selection
process.)

Announcement of Winner/s
April 2026 (Notified through the official WeChat public account and other channels.)

For all finalists:
As a finalist, you’ll step into the international spotlight:

• Have your illustrations displayed at Bologna Children’s Book Fair and in Beijing.
• See your work published in the official Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration.
• Catalogue, in both English and Chinese, distributed to industry professionals worldwide.
• Receive an official Finalist Certificate and a complimentary ticket to attend BCBF 2026.
• Be included in the Chinese Excellence: Original Picture Books Going Global series, published by Hunan Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House.

For the ‘Winner of the Year’ and/or the ‘Work of the Year’:

• Prominent placement in the official Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration Catalogue and exhibitions
• The Chinese Excellence Award Certificate and Medal, presented at BCBF 2026.
• A trip to Bologna – including round-trip airfare, four nights’ accommodation, and entry to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
• Inclusion in the Chinese Excellence: Original Picture Books Going Global series, published by Hunan Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House.

Selection process
A three-stage jury system ensures the highest level of recognition:

• A panel of Chinese experts first reviews all submissions, selecting a longlist of 100 illustrators.
• Among those selected, a shortlist of 30-40 illustrators is then chosen by a Chinese jury.
• A mixed jury of both Chinese and International professionals then selects 15-20 finalists among those the ‘Winner of the Year’ and/or the ‘Work of the Year’ is chosen.

The finalists are announced during CCBF 2025 in Shanghai, while the ‘Winner of the Year’ and/or the ‘Work of the Year’ is announced at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026.
The Winner of the Year’ and/or the ‘Work of the Year’ and the finalists are showcased in the ‘Chinese Excellence in Children's Illustration’ exhibition in Bologna first and then in Beijing.
One image from each longlisted illustrator will also be displayed within the exhibition to offer exposure.

For further information, please contact zhuoyuedashi@qq.com

The exhibition and the catalogue - published in English and Chinese - present 100 illustrations offering an outstanding overview of contemporary Chinese illustration.