A literary prize named after the renowned Chinese writer Lao She (1898-1966) has been established to encourage more literary works.

The first group of prize winners, which may include novelists, dramatists and their works, will be announced at Lao She's home city of Beijing in May next year.

The biannial Lao She Prize in Literature, set up by the Lao She Art and Culture Foundation early this year should be presented to eminent literary works which have "in-depth and meaningful text with a distinct local flavor", according to a committee in charge of judging writers' works.

"Most of Lao She's works reflected the real life of ordinary residents in Beijing. His pure, simple and expressive language came from the working class and shines with the glory of realism," Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said at a commemorative meeting to honor Lao She's 100th birthday anniversary early this year.

His works include "Rickshaw Boy", "Camel Xiangzi" and a number of plays including the famous "Teahouse" which was recently performed again at the Capital Theater to packed houses.

The committee members expressed the wish that the prize will become a major event on the literary calendar in China. Other literary prizes in the country named after famous 20th century writers include Lu Xun (1881-1936), Mao Dun (1896-1981) and Bing Xin (1900-1999). (Xinhua)