What does modern China look like through your lens? The 2026 Global Chinese New Year Photography Competition (GCPC 2026) is an open invitation to show the world. This major international photography contest calls on photographers and visual storytellers everywhere to capture the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of China and its global heritage. With a submission deadline of December 31, 2025, this is a chance to contribute to a global conversation about Chinese culture, from its stunning natural landscapes to its dynamic contemporary life. Best of all, it is completely free to enter, which makes it one of the most attractive free photo competitions of the year.
The competition is designed to be a genuinely inclusive platform that welcomes photographers of all ages and experience levels. It features three broad and inspiring themes that leave room for many different approaches. The prize structure focuses on recognition, with a total of 248 awards, including a special Online Popularity Award. For photographers building their own list of photography competitions, GCPC 2026 provides an accessible way to gain international visibility and add a meaningful achievement to a growing portfolio.
Prizes
The Global Chinese New Year Photography Competition is structured to celebrate a large number of photographers, with 248 awards across its categories to provide wide international recognition.
- First Place Award: 1 winner will be selected from each of the three categories.
- Second Place Award: 3 winners will be selected from each category.
- Third Place Award: 4 winners will be selected from each category.
- Award of Excellence: 50 winners will be recognized for their outstanding work.
- Finalist Award: 164 winners will be acknowledged as finalists.
- Online Popularity Award: 10 winners will be chosen based on online engagement.
All 248 award recipients will receive an official digital certificate. Winning and selected works may also be featured in online galleries, social media spotlights, and other promotional platforms.
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Categories or Themes
The competition is organized around three compelling themes that invite photographers to explore Chinese culture from different perspectives.
China Today (CT)
This category focuses on the dynamic development of contemporary Chinese society. It seeks images that highlight the progress and vitality of China in the 21st century, including subjects such as urban transformation, technological innovation, economic activity, and the daily lives of its people.
Chinese Landscapes & Travel (CLT)
A celebration of China’s natural beauty and rich historical sites. This category is open to striking images of landscapes, from mountain ranges to tranquil rural scenery. It also welcomes photographs of ancient towns, traditional architecture, and cultural landmarks that shape the country’s visual identity, making it a strong choice for any travel photography competition enthusiast.
Chinese Elements Abroad (CEA)
This category explores the global influence of Chinese culture. Photographers are invited to capture scenes from Chinatowns, cultural celebrations, and other moments where Chinese traditions are preserved, integrated, and developed in countries around the world. It is a theme that encourages a global perspective on cultural exchange and fits well with documentary and travel photography contests.
Dates and Entry Fees
The GCPC 2026 timeline is straightforward and participation is open to all without any cost.
Key Dates:
- Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025
Entry Fees:
There is no entry fee to participate in this competition.
How to Enter:
You can submit up to 10 images for each category. Entries can be submitted through the official website’s online portal or by email. Each image may only be submitted to one category.
Why Enter 2026 Global Chinese New Year Photography Competition?
If you are an emerging photographer, the 2026 Global Chinese New Year Photography Competition offers a low-pressure way to step onto an international stage. Since it is completely free to enter, you can share your best work with a global jury without worrying about fees. With 248 awards available, from Finalist to Excellence and category First Place, there are many opportunities for strong images to be recognized and for you to build your portfolio with a credible international credit.
Beyond the prizes, this contest is a chance to join a wider visual conversation about China and its global communities. The three themes invite you to look closely at the stories around you, whether that is a fast-changing city, a quiet village landscape, or a Chinese New Year celebration abroad, and to turn them into images that speak to viewers in different parts of the world. If you want to join photography challenges online that offer a clear brief and meaningful exposure rather than a simple upload-and-forget experience, GCPC 2026 gives you a focused context to share your vision and connect with an international audience.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 2026 Global Chinese New Year Photography Competition has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
The competition is open to all photographers worldwide, regardless of age or experience level. Both film photography and digital submissions are accepted. Each entrant may submit up to 10 images per category, and an individual image can be entered in only one category.
Copyright and Image Usage
All photographers retain the full copyright of their submitted images. By entering, you grant the organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use your images for promotional, exhibition, educational, and archival purposes in both digital and print formats. These uses are linked to the activities of the organizers and their partners. The organizers will not engage in commercial resale of your images without your permission.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
