Chinese children's fiction writer Cao Wenxuan received the Hans Christian Andersen Prize for 2016, regarded as the 'Nobel Prize for children's literature', at a ceremony in Auckland, New Zealand on August 20.

Chinese children's fiction writer Cao Wenxuan speaks at the award ceremony of the Hans Christian Andersen Prize for 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand, Aug. 20, 2016. [Photo / Xinhua]

Cao Wenxuan is the first Chinese writer ever to be shortlisted and win the prize, which is regarded as the highest international recognition for authors and illustrators of children's books.

In his acceptance speech, Cao spoke of his childhood and his writing philosophy. He said he wished to create a sanctuary with his writing for not only himself but also for children.

His win was announced in April this year, at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy.

The prize has been awarded since 1956 by the International Board on Books for Young People or IBBY, the world's leading organization in the promotion of children's books.

IBBY described Cao's work as "the unanimous choice of the jury, Cao writes beautifully about the complex lives of children facing great challenges."

The award is bestowed every other year to a living author and illustrator, with the laureates only able to win once.

Five people are shortlisted in each category, with Cao winning the author category and German Rotraut Susanne Berner winning the illustrator category this year.