VNC Competition for secondary school students

What fascinates you about China?

Do you like to learn more about China and do you want to enthuse others about this fascinating country that is becoming increasingly important in the world? Then grab your chance now and participate in the VNC Competition, organized in collaboration with Nuffic! We challenge you with a creative assignment in which you show in words or images what fascinates you about China and with that you have a chance to win great prizes. The five best entries will be published on the VNC website and will be rewarded with a Chinese candy package, and the strongest will also win two cinema vouchers!

📢 So, will you join us? Show what fascinates you about China!

🎯 Theme

China is a country full of contrasts: centuries-old traditions alongside modern technology, centuries-old philosophies alongside lightning-fast innovation.
What appeals to you about it? Maybe you admire the art, the science, the way people work together, or a Chinese idea that makes you think.

Show in words or images what fascinates you personally about China!

💡 Purpose of the competition

This competition wants to challenge you to:

• think about what appeals to you personally in Chinese culture, history, or society;
• make connections between your own world and what you discover about China;
• Show your creativity in an original form of expression, attractive for others to read or watch.

🖋️ What do you have to do?

Create an entry that shows what fascinates you about China.
This can be done in various ways:

✍️ Essay, poem or letter – write about what touches you and why; max 500 words

🎥 Video, drawing, photo collage or vlog – show what appeals to you in images; max 1.5 minutes or 1 A4

You may work alone or participate in groups of up to 3 students.

🏫 For whom?

For secondary school students (all levels).

🏆 Assessment criteria

The jury pays attention to:

• Personal reflection – do you show what really inspires you or makes you think?
• Originality – is your angle or elaboration surprising or creative?
• Depth of content – do you show that you have discovered or learned something about China?
• Design/presentation – is the work neat, clear and made with attention?

PRICES!

The five best entries will be published on the VNC website so that others can share in your fascination. In addition, they are rewarded with a Chinese candy package (1 per person in the form of group entry) and the strongest will also win two cinema vouchers (2 per person in the form of group entry).

⏰ Submission conditions

• Entries must be received before Chinese New Year on February 17, 2026
• Mention your name, age, school, subject and class at work.
• Digital submissions (text, scan of drawing, video, photos) can be emailed to lianne.baaij@vnc-china.nl

Who is VNC anyway? Our mission is clear: Brings China closer. We do this by sharing fascinating articles and organizing inspiring events in the cultural, business and scientific fields. Feel free to take a look at our website and discover what we have to offer. Who knows, you might follow us soon!

Tip for teachers: You can incorporate this competition into many lessons, in language lessons, history, geography, maarschappijleer, you name it. Have your students think about China, a country that we can no longer ignore. The competition will be published in the Nuffic newsletter and will be repeated.