Looking China

Looking China is a cultural experience programme sponsored by Huilin Foundation that has been successfully run since 2011 and is receiving increasingly extensive influence both in China and abroad.

The Looking China Programme is open for applications for the year 2026. 

The programme invites young filmmakers from around the world to explore the vibrant life of Chinese cities through their lenses. Across China, cities are evolving at an astonishing pace—where towering skylines converse with ancient streets, and tradition harmonizes with trend. This year’s theme calls upon youth to capture the essence of urban character, the rhythm of modern innovation, and the pulse of vitality that defines contemporary China.

  • Theme: "City Charm, Modern Style, Urban Vitality"
  • Dates: 22 June - 8 July 2026
  • Location: Beijing

Deadline to apply: 27 February

The programme covers round-trip transportation from the participant’s home institution to the host city in China (economy class), accommodation in the destination city (student dormitory), a one-day cultural tour to help participants get to know the local community, local volunteers who will serve as both interpreters and assistant producers, basic filming and editing facilities, a daily living allowance, averaging 100 RMB per day, a local SIM card for communication during the programme and a programme T-shirt.

Eligibility

  • First time to China
  • Capability of shooting, editing and producing short video individually
  • Respect Chinese culture
  • Working proficiency in English
  • Answering annual theme
  • Senior students, Alumni in Film Studies or relevant majors preferred
  • Candidates with basic shooting and editing facilities preferred

No knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is required.

Deliverables

Participants are expected to complete the following items at the end of the program:

  • A 10-minute short documentary about the culture of your assigned destination, with both English and Chinese subtitles
  • A film poster
  • A brief synopsis of your film
  • A portrait photo of the filmmaker
  • 10 still images captured from the final film
  • 5 behind-the-scenes photos taken during the project

Read the call for applications for more information. We encourage everyone who meet the application criteria to apply.

How to apply

Download the application form. 

Please send completed application forms to lana.delerue@oxford-prospects.org. Interviews are planned for 2 to 6 March and accepted offers will be finalised by 13 March. 

About the programme

This programme has become a significant part of the brand of Beijing Normal University, partner of the Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester, showcasing the enchanting aspects of China and promoting Chinese culture.

Documentaries produced by University of Manchester participants can be watched here:

This programme is offered in conjunction with Beijing Normal University (BNU), the partner university in China for the Confucius Institute.