Chongqing - The 2026 Gen Z International Communication Creator Program opens in Chongqing with a short video contest and a call for young content creators from China and abroad.

A poster for the 2026 Gen Z International Communication Creator Program recruitment. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details. (Photo/the organizers)

A poster for the 2026 Gen Z Creative Short Video Contest. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details. (Photo/the organizers)

Chongqing launched the 2026 Gen Z International Communication Creator Program on Oct. 9. The program is recruiting university students, including international students, and young content creators from China and abroad to share the city's story through short videos.

Four components

The program has four parts:

- Gen Z International Communication Creator Recruitment: Selected creators will work with universities and local partners to produce original cross-cultural content showing Chongqing's diverse character to the world.

- The 2026 Gen Z Creative Short Video Contest:The contest is now accepting entries on four themes: Bayu Landscapes & Culture, Open Chongqing, Smart-Manufacturing Mountain City and Smart-Governed Metropolis. Creators are encouraged to explore both the city's deep heritage and its modern energy.

- The Land-Sea Gen Z City Communication Program: This initiative will organize creator activities with a range of partners, combining joint projects with influencers and regular screenings on dedicated channels.

- The Gen Z International Communication Creators Conference: The conference will showcase the program's results. It will host the contest awards ceremony, announce the first group of selected creators, and launch a Gen Z International Communication Partner Program for young creators to connect and share ideas.

Overseas tourists try dragon dancing in Chongqing. (Photo/He Penglei)

Both the recruitment and the contest accept entries through open registration and direct invitation.

Contest winners will receive filming equipment. Five first prizes are worth 5,000 yuan (about 747 USD) each, 10 second prizes are worth 3,000 yuan each, and 20 third prizes are worth 1,000 yuan each, along with certificates. Special category awards will also be given.

A city made for the camera

Organizers said Gen Z creators have a knack for documenting cities and the world with authentic, down-to-earth and internet-savvy perspectives.

Tourists walk across the Qiansimen Bridge over the Jialing River to take in Chongqing's night views as the city's tourism market stays busy. (Photo/He Penglei)

Chongqing offers rich material for young creators. The city has a layered landscape of mountains and rivers, a substantial industrial heritage, lively street life and strong growth momentum. Organizers hope creators' fresh ideas, technical skills and global outlook will help present the city's culture and achievements in a youthful, international style that resonates with overseas audiences.

The organizers will also launch a dedicated program, Land-Sea Z Vision, as the main channel for sharing creators' work with audiences around the world.