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The 8th Orchid Pavilion Calligraphy Awards were held on Oct 13 in Shaoxing, the birthplace of one of China's most celebrated calligraphy gatherings.

Since launching in July 2023, the event attracted widespread interest, with 2,241 artists, ages 21 to 100, submitting their work.

Named after the historic Orchid Pavilion gathering, where famed calligrapher Wang Xizhi penned the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion, the award is regarded as one of the highest honors in Chinese calligraphy. Wang's masterpiece made the pavilion a revered destination for calligraphy enthusiasts.

This year's awards refined the jury process, introducing clearer protocols and improved selection criteria. A total of 69 artists were recognized, including eight from Zhejiang — marking a record for the province.

Judges noted that participants expanded on traditional themes while experimenting with diverse styles, blending natural and elegant writing forms with a strong and fresh aesthetic that stood out.

A calligraphy exhibition of the winning works opened at the Lanting Calligraphy Museum and will run for two months.