International Year of Peace · National Youth Photography Awards

In 1986—designated by the United Nations as the “International Year of Peace”—a new nationwide youth photography awards initiative was proposed amid an active cultural climate and the emergence of local youth photography organizations and publications. The concept was framed as an open challenge to existing official exhibition and competition mechanisms: even without strong funding or influence, the organizers sought a more open format to respond to the spirit of the time.

To advance the initiative, the proposal received endorsement and support at multiple levels. It gained recognition and participation from key national organizations and media, including the China Photographers Association, China Central Television, and the China News Photography Society, which together shaped the main organizing structure. With no internet available at the time, coordination and submissions depended on letters, telephone calls, and telegrams. A large-scale call for entries was distributed nationwide, generating strong responses and broad participation among young photographers. A substantial volume of submissions was received, reflecting high public attention and engagement.