The opening ceremony was divided into three chapters: “Sprouting,” “Journey,” and “Distant Horizons.” In the “Sprouting” chapter, which focused on “Poetry in Schools,” and continued the tradition of the “Lilac Poetry Festival · University Poetry Creation Alliance,” students from various educational groups in Xicheng District took the stage to perform recitations that showcased their schools’ unique characteristics. Notably, students from Qiyin Experimental Primary School presented an original poetry suite performed in sign language, marking the first time sign language has appeared on the stage of the Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival.

　　The 2026 "Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival" in Beijing’s Xicheng District, themed “Lilac as Message, Youth as Poetry,” officially kicks off at Baoguo Temple on April 2.

　　The “Journey” chapter showcased young “poets” from all walks of life — delivery riders, bank employees, police officers, and medical workers — who took to the stage to share poems inspired by their daily lives, shining with the light of new public art.

　　The “Distant Horizons” chapter extended its vision to the world, symbolizing the broad future of Chinese poetry on the global stage. International students from nine countries enjoyed the beauty of classical Chinese poetry accompanied by the melody of musician Zhao Zhao’s Shenglü Qimeng (Instructions on Prosody). Foreign journalists Fang Haoming and Bi Nuo also took the stage to share their personal stories of encountering Chinese poetry along the “Belt and Road” cultural corridor.