China Young Poet Laureate Programme
is an initiative by UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and Steve Jacobi Literature, Arts & Writing Studio, with support from UK National Poetry Centre and Trinity College, Oxford.
Inspired by the UKYPLP
The CYPL is inspired by the UK Young Poet Laureate Programme, which drew 130,000 pupils from around 1,000 UK schools in 2025. From this nationwide search, 12 exceptional young poets have been appointed as UK Young Poet Laureates for 2026–2027.
During a special celebratory event, Queen Camilla and Simon Armitage met with two of the newly appointed laureates who performed original verses.
Mission
It aims to celebrate the extraordinary potential of language, empowering young people to find their voice through imaginative expression.
Through words, it seeks to build cultural connections and understanding between the young people of China and the English-speaking world.
The imaginative vision of China's young laureates will be animated by the poems they write.
Values
Opportunity
Everyone can be a poet and poetry can be found in people's daily lives – the CYPLP means to uncover that potential.
Quality
The poems written by our young laureates will represent a high-level of expression that will not just be a celebration of poetic form but also become a bridge between different cultures.
Connectivity
As well as encouraging cross-cultural connections, the CYPLP will also aim to build audiences for poetry in China and across the world, while at the same time exploring the limits of poetic form.
Programme Components
The Programme is delivered through two core components:
Poetry Competition
A writing competition for young poets aged 8–18. Judged by Simon Armitage, China Young Poets Laureates of the Year are selected and recognised at Trinity College, Oxford University.
Discover the competition →Poetry Summer Camp
A creative writing camp held in China, taught by professional poets and writers. Top campers compete for wild cards on the UK Laureateship Tour.
Explore the summer camp →
