The journal of

21st Century Chinese Poetry 《廿一世纪中国诗歌》is an independent journal committed to showcasing the best of contemporary Chinese poetry. We exist to discover and celebrate poetry and the Chinese poets that write them with the largest possible Anglophone audience.

In the early twentieth century, The May Fourth Movement (1917-1921) launched an era where vernacular Chinese was for the first time accepted as a legitimate poetic voice. This was followed by an outpouring of verse written in 'plain speech' by people from all walks of life in contrast to the classical, elitist poetic forms of imperial China.

A century has now almost passed since these 'new' poetic voices emerged. Vernacular poetry has continued to blossom in poetry journals and in cyberspace.

The editor and translators at 21st Century Chinese Poetry are committed to translating poets from across China who would otherwise remain virtually unknown to Western audiences.

All enquiries, suggestions and corrections regarding 21st Chinese Poetry should be directed to Meifu Wang at:

editor@modernchinesepoetry.com.

Founder and Editor
Meifu Wang

Poem of the day 一日一首

Giant Panda (from The Zoo)

• by WeiWei


• Every time I go to the zoo to see the giant panda,
• I remind myself:
• Its white is not a white cat’s white,
• and its black is not a black cat’s black,
• but more like an infant's eyes,
• their pure white and their pure black.


• Every time I return from the zoo,
• I rejoice because of the panda:
• among everything from pink blossoms to green leaves,
• from wildlife to domesticated animals,
• from black&white to color photography,
• it looks more authentic than the rest, refusing
• to lure with striking colors.


• “I so hope my evolution
• can help you fulfill your dream for simplicity.”
• Every time I think of the giant panda,
• I wonder about the purpose of its evolution.




• from 21st Century Chinese Poetry, No. 11