Charlotte Chinese Story Time

Bringing Stories to Life, Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Young Minds

Founded in 2019, Charlotte Chinese Story Time is a 501(c)(3) certified nonprofit organization that brings families together through Chinese stories, songs, and cultural activities. Our mission is to promote Chinese language and culture while fostering community connections and cultural appreciation.

Click below to discover our story and mission!

About Us

Upcoming Events

Thu, Jan 01
2026 National Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest
Online
Learn more
Jan 01, 2026, 12:00 AM EST – Mar 31, 2026, 11:50 PM EDT
Online
We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 National Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest is officially open for registration! Children and teens ages 3–18 from across the U.S. are invited to celebrate the beauty of Chinese language and culture through spoken word.
Sat, Mar 14
Chinese Recitation Coaching for Kids (Session 2)
Pineville Library Community Room
Learn more
Mar 14, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Pineville Library Community Room, 505 Main St #100, Pineville, NC 28134, USA
Our second coaching session focused on deepening expression and improving fluency. Students explored how to bring poems to life using tone variation, pacing, and basic stage presence. The interactive format allowed for peer feedback and hands-on practice with guidance from experienced coaches.
Sat, Mar 21
Chinese Recitation Coaching for Kids (Session 3)
Pineville Library Community Room
Learn more
Mar 21, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Pineville Library Community Room, 505 Main St #100, Pineville, NC 28134, USA
The third session emphasized performance skills, helping students refine gestures, eye contact, and body movement to enhance their delivery. Children practiced full-length recitations and received individual coaching to prepare for the upcoming contest.
Sat, Mar 28
Spring-Themed Chinese Storytime
Community Room at Matthews CMLibrary
RSVP
Mar 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Community Room at Matthews CMLibrary, 230 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105, USA
Spring is here! Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and raindrops are falling gently. Join us as we explore the beauty of spring through songs, interactive storytelling, movement games, and simple hands-on activities—all in a fun and engaging bilingual environment.
Sat, Mar 28
Chinese Recitation Coaching for Kids (Session 4)
Pineville Library Community Room
Learn more
Mar 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Pineville Library Community Room, 505 Main St #100, Pineville, NC 28134, USA
Our final session served as a full rehearsal. Participants presented their pieces in a simulated stage setting, gaining feedback from judges and instructors. The session aimed to build poise and readiness for the Charlotte Cup Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest in May 2026.
Sun, May 10
2026 Charlotte Cup National Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest – Final Round & Awards Ceremony
Fullwood Theater
Learn more
May 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
Fullwood Theater, 100 E McDowell St, Matthews, NC 28105, USA
Join us in person on May 10 for a family-friendly celebration of language and culture as young finalists from across the U.S. take the stage in the 2026 Charlotte Cup National Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest. No RSVP required—come cheer them on!

The journey to the stage begins here.

On March 7, Charlotte Chinese Story Time officially launched the first pre-competition coaching session for the 2nd Charlotte Cup Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest at the Pineville Library Community Room.

Led by recitation artist Ms. Nina Chen, 36 children participated in focused training in breath control, vocal strength, clarity, and recitation techniques.

They also stepped forward one by one to recite familiar poems in front of their peers, building confidence, courage, and stage presence.

At CCST, we are proud to create meaningful opportunities for children to grow in language, culture, and self-expression.

This is only the beginning, and we cannot wait to see them shine.

#CharlotteChineseStoryTime
#CharlotteCup
#ChinesePoetryRecitation
#ChineseRecitation
#chineseforkids

🎤✨ Ready to Shine on Stage? ✨🎤

Our Chinese Recitation Coaching Workshops start this Saturday!

These FREE workshops are designed to help young reciters build confidence, improve pronunciation, and develop strong stage presence as they prepare for the 2026 Charlotte Cup Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest.

📅 First Session: Saturday, March 7
🕑 Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Location: Pineville Library – Community Room

During the workshop, students will learn how to:
🎤 Improve pronunciation and rhythm
🎭 Express emotions through recitation
🙌 Use body language and stage presence
🌟 Build confidence performing in front of an audience

Spots are limited and registration is required.

📌 Scan the QR code to RSVP!

These workshops are FREE thanks to the support of ASC Culture Blocks @asccharlotte , a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.

Let’s help our young voices grow and shine on stage! 🌟

#CharlotteChineseStoryTime
#ChineseRecitation
#YouthPerformance
#PublicSpeakingForKids
#CultureBlocks
CharlotteKids
CCST

🎹 2026 IPPA Conero International Piano Competition – Charlotte Region

We are happy to share an exciting opportunity for young pianists in the Charlotte area!

The IPPA Conero International Piano Competition is now accepting applications for the Southeast Region (Charlotte, NC).

📅 Preliminary Round: April 3, 2026 (Video Submission)
📍 US National Round: April 26, 2026 (In-person)
📍 Location: Steinway Piano Gallery – Charlotte

This international competition is hosted by the International Piano Professionals Association and features distinguished judges from major universities including the University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, and University of Kansas.

If your child is studying piano and enjoys performing, this could be a wonderful opportunity to gain competition experience and showcase their musical talent.

🔗 Apply: ippa.cc
📱 Or scan the QR code on the poster.

Please feel free to share with families who may be interested!

Chinese Recitation Coaching – RSVP NOW OPEN! ✨🎤

We’re excited to announce that RSVP is now open for March 7 and March 14!

These workshops are FREE and open to students of all levels who are preparing for the 2026 Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest — or simply want to build confidence and strengthen their performance skills.

📅 Saturdays:
• March 7 (RSVP Open)
• March 14 (RSVP Open)
• March 21
• March 28

🕑 Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Location: Pineville Library – Community Room

Led by experienced instructors, these sessions will help students:
✨ Improve pronunciation and expression
✨ Develop stage presence
✨ Receive guided coaching and individualized feedback

Each session focuses on different aspects of recitation skills, and space is limited.

📌 Scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot!

We are grateful that this program is sponsored by @asccharlotte ASC Culture Blocks — a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County. Their support allows us to offer these high-quality workshops to families at no cost.

We can’t wait to see our young voices shine on stage again this year 🌟

#CharlotteChineseStoryTime
#ChineseRecitation
#YouthConfidence
#FreeWorkshop
#CultureBlocks

✨ Registration is NOW OPEN! ✨

2026 Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest

🌟 “Voices of Classics, Shining Performances” 🌟

We are excited to invite students ages 3–18 to participate in our 2026 Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest!

Whether your child is a native speaker or learning Chinese as a second language, we have separate competition tracks to ensure a fair and encouraging experience for all.

🏆 Event Highlights:
• Age groups from Preschool to Youth (3–18)
• Separate tracks for Native & Non-Native speakers
• Trophies, certificates, and special prizes
• Finalists perform LIVE on stage at Fullwood Theater

📅 Key Dates:
• Application & Video Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Finalists Announced: April 13, 2026
• Live Final Competition: May 10, 2026
📍 Location: Fullwood Theater (Matthews, NC)

🎥 How to Participate:
Scan the QR code on the flyer to submit your application and video recording link.

This is more than a competition —
✨ A chance to build confidence
✨ A platform to strengthen language skills
✨ An opportunity to shine on a professional stage

We can’t wait to hear the next generation of voices bring Chinese classics to life!

#ChinesePoetryContest
#CharlotteChineseStoryTime
#YouthVoices
#LanguageAndCulture
#ccst

Happy Chinese New Year 2026! ✨🐎

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, Charlotte Chinese Story Time wishes you and your family joy, health, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival — and that’s how we often refer to it in our community, because it marks the beginning of spring and a fresh start in the lunar calendar.

May this new year bring courage to chase your dreams, strength to overcome challenges, and happiness in every step forward.

Thank you for being part of our community. We are so grateful for your continued support and look forward to celebrating more cultural moments together in 2026!

🧧 新年快乐！万事如意！

— Charlotte Chinese Story Time

Rehearsals complete for our very first Children’s Showcase!

Over the past weeks, we’ve seen our young performers practice, grow, and gain confidence—one step, one note, and one smile at a time.
This rehearsal may not have had full lights or costumes, but it was filled with effort, courage, and joy.

This is the first-ever Children’s Showcase by Charlotte Chinese Story Time, created to give children a meaningful stage where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

February 21 at 3:30 PM
We can’t wait to welcome our community and watch these children shine on stage.

Thank you to our families, volunteers, and supporters for making this journey possible. #charlotte #charlottechinesestorytime #clt #chinesenewyear #lunarnewyear

🧧✨ Chinese New Year Cultural Fair is coming! ✨🧧

Join us for an afternoon full of color, culture, and family fun as we celebrate Chinese New Year together! 🐎🎉

🎨 Lantern Making
✍️ Chinese Calligraphy & “福” Printing
🌿 Herbal Sachets
🎯 Ring Toss & Pitch-pot
🎭 Face Painting
👘 Traditional Clothing & Photo Booth
…and so much more!

📅 Saturday, Feb 14
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
➡️ 1609 E 5th Street Charlotte 28204

🎟️ FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Perfect for kids, families, and anyone curious about Chinese culture!

❤️ Organized by Charlotte Chinese Story Time (CCST)
🌟 Proudly sponsored by United Chinese Americans (UCA) @ucasocial & UCA Community Foundation

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate the Year of the Horse with us!

We can’t wait to see you there 🧨🐎

#ChineseNewYear #LunarNewYear #CulturalFair
#CharlotteEvents #FamilyFun KidsActivities
YearOfTheHorse AsianCulture CommunityEvent
charlottechinesestorytime

✨ What a wonderful morning on air! ✨

We’re so grateful to be invited onto Charlotte Today to share Chinese Lunar New Year traditions and upcoming community events with the Charlotte community.

Huge thank you to our amazing hosts @colleen_odegaard @eugenekrobinson41 such a warm, thoughtful, and engaging conversation.

It’s always an honor to bring Chinese culture, family traditions, and children’s voices into the spotlight. Thank you @wcnctv and the Charlotte Today team @clttodayshow for helping us build cultural bridges and celebrate the beauty of our community. 🧧🐴

We’re excited to continue celebrating together—see you at our upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year events.

#charlottechinesestorytime #chinesenewyear #lunarnewyear #chineseculture

❄️ Event Update | Date & Location Change ❄️

Due to the weather forecast and possible snow this Saturday (1/31), and with the safety of our families and volunteers in mind, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone our Chinese New Year 春节 Cultural Fair.

Thank you so much for your understanding and support 💛

✨ Updated Event Details ✨
📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
⏰ 1:00–5:00 PM
📍 Hope Hall at Caldwell Presbyterian Church （1609 East 5th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204）

We’re working hard to bring you a joyful, hands-on, and family-friendly Chinese New Year celebration, and we truly hope you can join us at the new date and location!

Please feel free to DM us if you have any questions. We can’t wait to celebrate together 🧧🐴

#chinesenewyear #lunarnewyear #charlotte #events #mecklenburg

🧧 Sneak Peek: DIY Chinese Stamped Fan 🪭

We’re getting ready for our Chinese New Year Cultural Fair on January 31st, and here’s a little preview of one of our hands-on activities!

In this short video, I’m showing how to make a traditional Chinese stamped fan — simple steps, beautiful results, and perfect for young children.

✨ Dab, lift, and reveal — it’s always a magical moment!

Join us to celebrate Chinese New Year 春节 with art, culture, and family-friendly fun.

📍 January 31, 1PM | Charlotte
🎉 All are welcome!
#Chinesenewyear #charlotte #charlottechinesestorytime #clt #chinese #lunarnewyear

Weather Update for Saturday’s Chinese New Year Storytime (Jan 24)

Hi families! We’re closely monitoring the weather forecast for this Saturday. ❄️🌥️

At this time, we have not made a final decision yet.

✅ We will make the call Friday evening and post an update here (and email registered families) to confirm whether the event will move forward as planned.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding—your family’s safety is our top priority.

Please check back Friday night for the final update.

— Charlotte Chinese Story Time (CCST)

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