'Qi' chosen as 2026 Belt and Road annual character in Urumqi

The Chinese character "Qi" (齐) has been chosen as the 2026 Belt and Road Annual Character, after emerging from a shortlist of 10 candidates through a combination of expert recommendations and public voting. The result was announced in Urumqi, Xinjiang, at an event hosted by the China Public Relations Association. A vibrant exhibition of intangible cultural heritage was also held, showcasing 10 items embodying the Belt and Road spirit. This marked the ninth edition of the event since its launch in 2016; previous host cities include Jining, Hanzhong, Quanzhou, and Yongchuan.