About the Conference
The World Association for Chinese Studies celebrates its 10th anniversary conference in Hong Kong — a city that embodies the "between worlds" at the heart of our theme. Over the past decade, our annual gatherings have built bridges between Chinese and international scholars, fostering critical exchange across disciplinary and cultural boundaries. As the global landscape grows more complex and dialogue more difficult, this work has become both harder and more necessary.
Our conferences are unique in bringing together both classical Sinology and contemporary China Studies, creating a space for dialogue between Guoxue 國學 and Western approaches. We encourage participants to present their ongoing research — there is no need to bend your core expertise toward a predetermined conference theme. This openness has made our gatherings a space for genuine intellectual exchange, which many participants, especially younger scholars from mainland China, have described as eye-opening and even life-changing.
Thematic Scope
Humanities
Humanities: History, Philosophy, Literature (classical, modern, Sinophone), Linguistics, Religion, Archaeology, Art History, Calligraphy, Music, Theatre and Performance, Film Studies, Translation Studies, Redology and Cao Xueqin Studies, Memory Studies, History of Sinology worldwide
Social Sciences
Social Sciences: Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, Ethnology, Geography, Psychology, Education, Higher Education Research (China and abroad), Law, Media and Communication Studies
Economics and Development
Economics and Development: Economic History, China's Economic Development, Poverty Reduction, Trade and Finance, Regional Development, Urban Studies
Science and Technology
Science and Technology: Space Exploration, Quantum Communication, E-Mobility, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Humanities, Digitization of Classical Texts
Cross-cutting Themes
Cross-cutting Themes: New findings in Chinese Studies; Comparison and integration of Guoxue and non-Chinese approaches; Chinese literature in translation and international dissemination; Reflections on Chinese literary history; East-West comparison in media and design
Special Sessions
Special Sessions: Young Scholars Forum; Roundtable Discussions; Branch Association Panels
Participation
To ensure a balanced exchange of perspectives, participation as a speaker is limited to 100 scholars from mainland China and 100 scholars from outside mainland China.
Conference Language: English. Discussions may be conducted in English or Chinese.
Submission Policy: Each participant may submit only one proposal — either an individual paper or a panel. Panel proposals (typically 3–4 papers, including Chair and Discussant) are welcome and should be submitted as a single coordinated application.
Registration & Submission
- Registration and applications for Travel Grants are now open
- You may register immediately, even without a paper title or abstract
- Paper titles and abstracts can be submitted via the registration website until January 31, 2026
- February 28, 2026: Notification of peer review outcomes
- The best 100 proposals from mainland China and the best 100 from outside mainland China will be accepted for presentation
- Participation as an audience member (without presenting) is also welcome
Conference Fee
Regular Fee
Regular: €190
Reduced Fee
Reduced (online participants, students, delegates, lifetime/patron members): €140
Payment window: July 1–6, 2025 via the association's bank website
Publication
All accepted papers will be included in a Conference Booklet distributed at the event. Conference Proceedings will be published a few months after the conference. Outstanding papers will additionally be considered for publication in special issues of the European Journal of Sinology (for classical and premodern topics) and the European Journal of Chinese Studies (for modern and contemporary topics).
Why August in Hong Kong?
Scheduling the conference in August allows colleagues from the US to combine participation with summer travel, and gives colleagues from mainland China a moment of reflection before the new semester begins. Hong Kong offers an ideal gateway for extending your stay — whether to explore the region, visit academic partners, or attend related conferences.