In a world where digits spread quicker than stories, screens matter more than paper, writers seem to be muted by rapidly-developing technologies. But for Chinese writer and poet Zhao Lihong, however the world may change, literature is here to stay.

Recipient of the 2025 Premio Montale Fuori di Casa (International Section) which is a prestigious Italian literary award, Zhao believes that while new technologies may change the way stories are told and distributed, they will never undermine the profound essence of literature.

"As long as human nature exists, as long as our longing for beauty and truth endures, literature will not die," he said.

Zhao believes that the essence of literature, which is to express ideas, to share feelings and to connect minds through words, will remain unchanged.

For Zhao, literature remains ever-relevant and evolves alongside social progress.

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Chen Hongyu

Video editors: Wang Yuxin, Chen Hongyu

Videographers: Tian Rongzhen, Gao Zhihong, Leng Junpeng