Taiwan's Wu Zhuoliu Literary Award opens online submissions for 61st year

Taiwan's prestigious Wu Zhuoliu Literary Award is embracing digital submissions for the first time in its 61-year history, aiming to broaden participation and encourage literary creation. The award, which boasts a total prize pool of NT$1.5 million, is recognized as Taiwan's longest-standing literary prize.

Organized by the Hsinchu County Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau in collaboration with the Wu Zhuoliu Literary Award Foundation and the Hsinchu County Cultural Foundation, the award has increasingly gained international recognition. Last year, it welcomed two foreign recipients, marking a step towards greater global engagement.

Submissions are now open until August 10. The award encourages writers worldwide to participate, with no restrictions on nationality or residency. This year's competition features five categories: modern poetry, children's literature, prose, short stories, and Hakka poetry.

In addition to the award, the Hsinchu County Government is undertaking a comprehensive "Wu Zhuoliu Complete Works Publishing Project." This initiative, in partnership with the Hakka Affairs Council, aims to collect, proofread, and translate all of Wu Zhuoliu's writings, with publication expected in November. The county is also planning a "Tough Poet ~ Wu Zhuoliu" literary season to honor the acclaimed writer, whose former residence is in Xinpu.

Wu Zhuoliu, a notable Hakka literary figure, authored a diverse range of works, including novels, Chinese poetry, essays, and letters. The county's efforts to promote his legacy coincide with the upcoming Yimin Festival, which will be hosted by the Xinpu Da Mao Pu joint villages, where Wu Zhuoliu's former home is located.

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Wu Zhuoliu Literary Award is held by us and the Wu Zhuoliu Literary Award Foundation and the Hsinchu County Cultural Foundation. It has been held since 1966, and this year is the 61st session, which can be called the longest-running literary award in Taiwan's literary history.