"创" (meaning "innovation" in English) is selected as the Chinese Character of the Year at the 2017 Cross-Straits Chinese Character Festival. [Photo/chinanews.com]

The 2018 Cross-Straits Chinese Character Festival is set to be held in Haicang district, one of six districts in Xiamen, Fujian province from Oct 26 to Dec 14.

The highlight of the festival will still be the selection of "Chinese Character of the Year" – a special contest aiming to decide one specific Chinese character which best describes relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan over the past year.

One among the 36 characters that excelled will be decided by popular vote, following the recommendations of the celebrity guests and members of the public.

After selecting the 36 candidate Chinese characters, cross-Straits residents can vote for the Chinese Character of the Year with the result being announced in Taipei, capital of Taiwan province on Dec 14.

As part of the festival, a Cross-Straits Chinese Character Design Competition, was held for the first time from Sept 1 to Oct 9 and its award-winning designs and 100 outstanding entries will be showcased at the festival's opening ceremony.

Sponsored by the Xiamen Newspaper Agency and the Taiwan Want Want China Times Group, the Cross-Straits Chinese Character Festival has ran for 11 years and has become an important event to promote cultural exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, by highlighting their shared traditions and culture.