The 2025 French Poetry Recitation Competition, based on the cultural framework of the 29th French Activity Month, was initiated by the French Embassy in China. The Chinese French Language Alliance, together with the French Cultural Center, the Swiss Embassy in China, the Quebec Representative Office in China, and the Walloon Brussels Delegation in Belgium, jointly organized the event. With the support of the Jinan International Communication Center and Jinan Radio and Television Station, the Shandong French Language Alliance served as the overall coordinator of the event.

　　This year, nearly 400 participants from across China signed up for the competition, which featured 15 selected poems from French-speaking countries and regions around the world. These poems covered a wide range of themes, including love, the present moment, childhood, the passage of time, and journeys—showcasing the unique charm of French poetry. The national finals took place on April 26 at the Ehua Hotel in Jinan. Contestants from 14 cities with branches of the Alliance Française competed for first, second, and third prizes, as well as the Popularity Award. The event was hosted by Mr. Laurent BOËNNEC, French Director of the Alliance Française de Shandong.

　　The panel of judges for the finals included Ms. Nie Yunmei, Chinese Director of the Alliance Française de Kunming; Mr. Gaël Crépieux, French Director of the Alliance Française de Guangzhou; and Ms. Xue Lin, Chinese Director of the Alliance Française de Shandong. The three judges evaluated the 14 contestants based on language expression, emotional interpretation, and overall impression.

　　Yang Lu from the Alliance Française de Shanghai won the first prize. Sun Yanbin from the Alliance Française de Shandong took home both the second prize and the Popularity Award, while Lu Yifan from the Alliance Française de Guangzhou received the third prize. In addition to the on-site competition, the event was livestreamed on WeChat Channels, drawing a total audience of 5,109 and reaching a record high of 7,427 views over the past three years. (Reported by Liu Xiaohan, Jinan International Communication Center; Video by Gao Yuan; Translated by Kuang Qiongqiong)