Thousands of teenage students are expected to display their talents in traditional Chinese arts and culture in a three-month nationwide competition show launched in Beijing on Tuesday.

The activity, initiated by the Internet Film and TV Center of the Chinese Communist Youth League, targeted at school students between the age of 6 and 18, in the hope to spark contemporary teenagers' interest in traditional Chinese culture and values.

Contestants recommended by different competition areas will perform in national finals in various categories such as recital of literary pieces, ethnic vocal arts, ethnic dance as well as painting and calligraphy. Winners will be awarded the opportunities to perform in a teenagers' Spring Festival gala early next year and to participate in international exchange activities.

He Chengfeng, director for the Internet Film and TV Center of the Chinese Communist Youth League, said the society should actively build healthy and life-enhancing "spiritual home" for teenagers, who are at a critical stage of their lives.

"As Chinese, we cannot overlook our root in our splendid traditional arts and culture," He said.

The organization has also been managing the website of www.k188.cn, a online portal constructed specially for teenagers that contains various information on news, entertainment and study materials. It now enjoys a daily click rate of 20 million.