The reporter learned on May 22 that, a decision has been made recently by the Poetry Institute of China to award Yichang City as the Poetry City of China.

　　According to the decision, Yichang is the hometown of Qu Yuan (about 340 BC - 278 BC), one of the most famous poets in ancient China, as well as the source of Chinese poetry. It is on this land that generations of poets have made important contributions to carry forward the traditional culture of Chinese poetry and promote the prosperity and development of Chinese poetry.

　　The reporter learned from Yichang Literature and Art League on May 22 that, the Award Ceremony for the 1st “Qu Yuan Poetry Prize” and the Dragon Boat Festival Poetry Conference would be held on the evening of May 29 in Yichang City. “Qu Yuan Poetry Prize” is an authoritative individual award established by the Poetry Institute of China, which is under the charge of the Association of Chinese Writers. The establishment of the prize aims at inheriting the fine tradition of Chinese culture, carrying forward the spirit of Qu Yuan and the Chinese traditional culture to express the highest achievement of Chinese poetry and promote the creation and the prosperity of contemporary poetry. The award will be held every two years, along with the holding of the Qu Yuan Dragon Boat Day Cultural Festival. The Award Ceremony will be held permanently in Yichang City.

　　1 Poet Laureate, 10 Golden Awards,10 Silver Awards and 3 Special Awards for “Great Yichang” will be decided this time, and the results will be officially announced on the evening of the Award Ceremony. Since the organization committee issued a Call for Papers for Dragon Boat Festival Poetry Conference in January this year, the organizing committee has received nearly ten thousands of entries, including entries from poetry lovers of more than 20 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, and the latest masterpieces from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan as well as the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan and other places.

　　Currently, the Award Ceremony for the first “Qu Yuan Poetry Prize” and the Dragon Boat Festival Poetry Conference are under tense preparation. The Poetry Conference will be divided into three main chapters: Qu Yuan’s Affection, Winds of Era and China Dream. In the poetry slam, celebrities will give speeches and famous poems will be recited, which aimed to leave a special beautiful impression on audiences.

　　According to Zhou Lirong, Chairman of Yichang Literature and Art League, the organizing committee has narrowed the range of guests to follow the principles of frugal festival. Over 20 well-known poets, including Zheng Zhouyu (Taiwan), Song Zijiang (Hong Kong), Yuan Shaoshan (Macau), Gu Ailing (the United States), Shu Ting, Xi Chuan, Duo Yu and Lei Pingyang will attend the conference. Besides, Qu Xuanhe, a recitation artist and Shi Ke, a famous actress born in Yichang and other famous figures will recite poems on the conference