From May 27th to 28th, over 40 young writers from nine ASEAN countries and various regions of China visited Dongguan, Guangdong Province, as part of the 2nd "Journey of ASEAN young writers in China." The delegation explored the China Art Toy Center in Shipai town, the Mingdetang Lion Dance Training Base, and Guancang Community in Zhangmutou Town, known as "China's First Village of Writers", gaining first-hand experience of Dongguan's vibrant toy innovation industry, traditional heritage, and grassroots literary atmosphere.

"This place is truly unique. I think every writer dreams of having a space like this for creativity," said Cambodian writer Nguon Sivngim, expressing her hope that a similar creative community could be established in Cambodia.

Singaporean writer Chow Teck Seng visited Dongguan for the first time and was captivated by the traditional qilin dance performance: "The Hakka-style qilin lion dance in Zhangmutou town is agile and elegant. It is similar to the lion dances we have in Singapore." He also noted that through this exchange, he learned about local literary magazines such as "Zuopin" and gained a deeper understanding of the literary ecosystems in Guangxi and Guangdong. "Literature connects us across borders. It not only brings us closer, but also builds lasting friendships."

Li Qiang, Director of the Asia-Africa Division of the External Liaison Department of the China Writers Association (CWA), emphasized the importance of integrating literature with everyday life: "We hope ASEAN writers can see that Chinese writers draw inspiration from their daily lives. This exchange allowed our ASEAN writers to deeply experience China's rich cultural traditions and the dynamic energy of its contemporary literature. Stories of ordinary people and workers will surely resonate with people across ASEAN countries."

As of February 2025, the "China's First Village of Writers" has welcomed 97 resident writers and produced nearly 700 published works, establishing itself as a nationally recognized cultural landmark.

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

第二届“东盟青年作家中国行”走进东莞“中国作家第一村”

5月27日至28日，第二届“东盟青年作家中国行”走进广东东莞，来自9个东盟国家及中国各地的40多位青年作家参访了石排潮玩中心、明德堂醒狮训练基地和“中国作家第一村”樟木头官仓社区，深入体验东莞的潮玩科技、传统文化与大众文艺创作氛围。

“这里很有特色，我想每个作家都希望有这样一个地方可以写作。”柬埔寨作家陈秀吟表示，希望在柬埔寨也能建立类似的创作聚落。

来自新加坡的作家周德成首次到访东莞，在观赏麒麟舞表演时感到惊喜：“樟木头客家麒麟狮舞步轻盈，与新加坡的舞狮有异曲同工之妙。”他还提到，通过交流了解了《作品》杂志等本地文学刊物，对广西、广东的作家生态留下深刻印象，“文学让我们相知、相行，也建立了友谊。”

“希望东盟作家通过作家村看到中国作家的创作是和生活紧密相连。”中国作协外联部亚非处处长李强表示，此次交流让东盟青年作家深入感受中华优秀传统文化及新时代文学活力，“普通百姓、打工者的故事，也一定会感动东盟的老百姓。”

截至2025年2月，“中国作家第一村”已吸引97名作家入驻，累计出版文学作品近700册，成为全国知名的文化地标。

文｜记者 石梦卓
图、视频｜叶何湘 温泽广
译｜杨钧雅
英文审校｜赵凡