The Cultures of China-Water Cube Cup 2020, a song contest for overseas Chinese and youth of Hong Kong and Macao, was launched in Beijing on July 22, 2020. The event, which has attracted both domestic and overseas contestants, is being held online.

Liu Chunfeng, director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing City, said at a news conference on July 22 that this was the 10th Water Cube Cup being held since its debut in 2011. The contest has attracted more than 30,000 participants, with 665 contestants finally stepping onto the stage of the Water Cube. Liu added that many contestants have gone on to become professional musicians after taking part in the contest.

Talking about the difference between this year’s event and previous years’, Liu said, “This year we will launch comprehensive online events, covering more than 50 divisions in more than 30 countries. The Hong Kong and Macao competitions have been added this year, inviting young people from Hong Kong and Macao to participate in the competition to make the groups more diverse.”

According to Liu, a series of events will be held this year for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Water Cube Cup. Previous competitors will be invited to the activities, telling their stories about the Water Cube Cup. From the events they can get stamp albums, badges, etc.

At the news conference, representatives of the overseas Chinese in the US, Portugal, Thailand, New Zealand and South Africa sent their wishes to the contest through the internet.

He Chaoqiong, president of the Beijing-Macau Economic and Cultural Exchange Promotion Association, felt happy that Macao was able to take part in the competition. He expressed his wish that youngsters in Macao could learn and play with Chinese youth all over the world.

The competition will run from July 22 to September 20. There will be four stages: registration, preliminary, semi-final and final. The semi-final and final will be broadcast live at home and abroad. In terms of awards, in addition to the regular comprehensive awards and professional skills awards, there are also “Internet Hotspot Award”, “Internet Attraction Award” and other awards to increase the participation of netizens.