The 7th International Conference on Sinologists and Literary Translation concluded successfully
Jul 24, 2025
"Through a thousand mountains on the path of translation, we journey together; on the shores of the starry river, dreams begin to take shape. I wish to spread the Chinese language to the Russian lands and together paint a bright future." As the 7th International Conference on Sinologists and Literary Translation concluded in Nanjing, the poem by Russian sinologist Luo Ziyi continued to resonate deeply in the hearts of the participants. Starting from July 21, international sinologists and Chinese writers gathered in Nanjing, writing a new chapter of cultural exchange and mutual learning on the world map. Through in-depth discussions and on-site visits, they dissolved the barriers of language and culture in conversation, conveying the rich emotions, details, and historical echoes of Nanjing, the World Capital of Literature, to a broader stage.
Focusing the World's Attention on Nanjing through Literature
During the 7th International Conference on Sinologists and Literary Translation, the world's gaze was drawn to this city—China's first and only World Capital of Literature. Thirty-nine sinologists from 31 countries and 39 Chinese writers traveled across mountains and seas to attend. Among them were German translator Hao Mutian, who has translated works by Mo Yan and Liu Cixin; Hungarian translator Clara, who has translated works by Su Tong and Yu Hua; and Italian translator Mo Ran, who has translated works by Li Er and Li Jingze...
In Nanjing, international sinologists and Chinese writers created many beautiful memories, sharing their observations, experiences, and feelings. The World Capital of Literature's living room, located at the foot of Jilong Mountain and built on the site of China's first historical literary hall, hosted activities such as the salon on "Literary Diversity and Sustainable Urban Development," the "Roundtable: Nanjing Literature in a Global Context," and the launch of the "Youth Three-Line Poetry International Dissemination Plan" during the conference. Egyptian translator Mira praised the literary atmosphere here, saying, "It is so impressive."
At the conference, Bi Feiyu, vice chairman of the China Writers' Association and chairman of the provincial writers' association, expressed his deep affection for Nanjing with three "most important" descriptions, calling the city "so rich, so open, and so soft," which resonated strongly with many writers and sinologists. Every ancient and modern element, every plant and tree, every scene and object tells a story. Sinologists praised Nanjing's richness, saying it "has emotions, details, and historical echoes." At the Deji Art Museum, the "Digital Art Exhibition of Jinling Map" instantly "transported" people back to the Song Dynasty Nanjing, recreating the prosperous scene of "ten miles of Qinhuai." Climbing up the Zhonghua Gate Castle, Colombian translator Luo Yiren recalled that he had climbed the Ming City Wall of Nanjing more than ten years ago, saying, "The view is so beautiful." The Yue Opera excerpts themed on "Dream of the Red Chamber" deeply intoxicated the sinologists with the beauty of the integration of Chinese opera and classical literature.
Connecting Hearts through Literature Across Mountains and Seas
"Understanding a Connecting Hearts through Literature Across Mountains and Seas country or a nation, literature is a very important way," as Hu Bangsheng, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Secretary-General of the China Writers' Association, said. In the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations, literature has a unique advantage and can more easily resonate among different countries, nations, and groups of people.
At the conference, although participants had different mother tongues and cultural backgrounds, they sparked countless ideas around the theme of "Translating Together Toward the Future." They expressed their thoughts passionately in discussions and released themselves in the streets and alleys, all based on their love for Chinese literature.
French sinologist Sophie, who lived in China for nine years, called this trip "returning to Nanjing" and arrived several days earlier. She missed the chrysanthemum leaf soup dumplings, chicken soup with braised tofu, and osmanthus sugar taro here, as well as Nanjing writer Han Dong, whom she met during her doctoral thesis. Italian translator Xuelian, who lived in Yunnan for eight years, also has a strong interest in Chinese history and culture.
Mexican sinologist Liana met Chinese writer Lin Nabe at the 2024 People's Literature Award ceremony. Reunited in Nanjing, they thanked a concept called "fate" once again. Liana said, "The word 'fate' is really hard to translate. There is a word in English called 'destiny,' which is somewhat close, but I think fate goes a little beyond destiny. It is a combination of the past and the present, forming a special condition that allows us to meet and trust each other."
Everything is because of literature, and translation is the bridge that brings them together.
"Translation means crossing the differences in language, writing systems, cultural values, and ways of thinking to find common ground," these translators from different countries said in Chinese, sharing their stories of encountering the Chinese language and Chinese literature. Their heartfelt speeches all revealed the unique charm of literary exchange.
British translator Howard Goldblatt, who received the China Book Special Contribution Award, chose to study Chinese at the University of Leeds in the late 1960s, and has been connected with the Chinese language ever since. Nanjing writer Han Dong said, "She is not only my translator but also my reader and confidante." When Nanjing writer Hu Xian shook hands with Spanish translator Javier Sanz for the first time, he realized that the somewhat shy translator was nearly 20 years younger than him, but the translator's understanding of China shown on WeChat completely transcended his age.
"Translation work is usually lonely, but here, I feel a sense of real companionship," said Romanian translator Maria Bucur. At this moment, she once again felt the warmth of literature.
Spreading Nanjing's Stories to the World through Translation
Face-to-face in-depth communication is an effective way to break down cultural barriers and improve translation quality, which helps different civilizations achieve a deeper level of understanding through mutual learning. This is also the reason why Nanjing hosted the 7th International Conference on Sinologists and Literary Translation after the 6th conference in 2023.
As a Lu Xun Literary Award winner and editor-in-chief of the "Yangtze River Poetry Journal," Hu Xian said that it is a rare phenomenon to see so many sinologists communicating on such a large scale. "It reflects Nanjing's openness and its global vision, and its driving force for the development of Chinese literature is particularly significant."
Nanjing, as the World Capital of Literature, has rich literary resources and a profound cultural heritage. Through the bridge of literary translation, Nanjing's historical stories, modern urban development, and humanistic charm can all become materials for literary creation, and then be spread to the world through the translations of sinologists.
Egyptian sinologist Aziz, who has translated parts of "Dream of the Red Chamber," was deeply moved after watching the Yue Opera "Dream of the Red Chamber" in Nanjing. "Dream of the Red Chamber is an important window to understand Chinese social culture and historical civilization, and it is worth reading repeatedly," he said. He emphasized the need to protect such precious cultural heritage and further promote its dissemination, exchange, and mutual learning. Nanjing, as the hometown of "Dream of the Red Chamber," is exploring in this regard.
Czech sinologist Li Su said after visiting the Nanjing City Wall Museum that she would translate novels related to Nanjing's history. Tunisian translator Khalid told reporters that he not only translated the children's literature "Because of Dad" by Nanjing writer Han Qingchen into his country but also organized online exchanges between writers and local young readers.
Nanjing is an important hub for international literary exchange, committed to deepening exchanges and mutual learning through literature, and expanding its "international circle of friends." In the future, with the joint efforts of writers and sinologists, more literary works with Nanjing's imprint will shine on the world literary stage, promoting understanding and tolerance between different cultures. The souls behind different languages will come closer in the nourishment of literature, and together write a new chapter of civilizational dialogue.