A Signature Summer Event Returns
The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will return from 15 to 21 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), under the annual theme “Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys”.
Running concurrently with the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks, this year’s Book Fair will form part of a wider summer programme combining culture, reading, sports, leisure and global snacks flavours. The three fairs are expected to bring together more than 770 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries and regions, offering locals and tourists a one-stop destination for cultural and leisure experiences.
This year’s Book Fair will also present “Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading”, with more than 600 cultural events taking place at the fairground and across the city. Through books, exhibitions, talks and interactive experiences, the fair invites the public to explore cultural heritage, distinctive local traditions and the creativity of destinations around the world.
Cultural Legacy Meets Joyful Journeys
The annual theme gives this year’s Book Fair a clear cultural focus. “Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys” links reading with travel, heritage with imagination, and local stories with global perspectives.
One of the key highlights is the return of the “World of Art & Culture” zone, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This year, the zone will feature the exhibition “World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart”.
Across four zones, the exhibition uses the dual angles of “Local Eye” and “Global Eye” to connect Hong Kong stories with world literature. Working with various organisations and Consulates-General in Hong Kong, it will showcase more than 200 books and exhibits from around the world. Six interactive set-ups will also recommend books and Hong Kong in-depth itineraries to visitors based on their preferences, making “travel literature” more accessible and engaging.
By presenting reading as a form of journey, the exhibition encourages visitors to discover different cultures, places and perspectives through books.
Eight Seminar Series Bring Writers and Ideas Together
The Book Fair will feature eight seminar series covering Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle, and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised by the HKTDC, Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will bring together influential Chinese-language writers including Liu Zhenyun, Su Tong, Bi Feiyu, Liu Jiakun and Louis Yu. They will meet readers onsite and share their insights into literature, culture and creative writing.
The English and International Books Seminar Series will welcome overseas authors, including British poet and novelist Luke Kennard, winner of multiple major literary awards in the United Kingdom.
For the first time, the Book Fair will introduce the ASEAN Literary Festival under the English and International Books Seminar Series, in collaboration with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation. Participating authors include Eka Kurniawan, recognised as one of Indonesia’s most internationally influential contemporary novelists, and Indonesian-born Singaporean author Clarissa Goenawan, whose works have been translated into twelve languages.
The series will also extend beyond literary creation. Joe Ngai, JP, Greater China Chairman of McKinsey & Company, will discuss the global economic landscape, analyse the unique positionings of the Chinese market and provide guidance to companies on formulating future strategies in China.
Other speakers across the seminar series include Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties and Founding Chairman of the China Heritage Fund; and Jasper Tsang, former President of the Legislative Council. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session will feature Dr Sylvia Chan, Principal of Ying Wa Primary School; Freddie Tse, captain of the Hong Kong Men’s Handball Team; and actress Bowie Cheung.
The fair will also feature aerospace experts including Professor Wu Bo from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Gao Yang and Professor Su Hui from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Dr So Chu Wing, Curator of the Hong Kong Space Museum. They will share insights into the journey and achievements of the nation’s space missions.
A Platform for Publishing and Creative Industries
Beyond public reading activities, the Book Fair remains an important platform for publishing, intellectual property and cultural business development.
The “International Publishing Forum” and “IP Roundtable” will analyse the latest developments in publishing and market trends in the age of AI, helping industry professionals explore new business opportunities.
The Cultural and Creative Space will also return after its popularity last year. It will feature the Fujian Pavilion, the Hangzhou Pavilion and Hong Kong exhibitor Tsi Ku Chai, showcasing intangible cultural heritage crafts, creative products and intellectual property merchandise.
Chinese Mainland Publishers will bring together 49 publishing organisations, representing approximately 20,000 publications. With Yunnan as this year’s featured province, the showcase will introduce the region’s diverse cultures, unique ecosystem and tourism resources, inviting Hong Kong readers to discover Yunnan through books.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will also set up a themed exhibition area combining learning with fun experiences to inspire the public to adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle.
Celebrating HKTDC’s 60th Anniversary
This year’s Book Fair coincides with the HKTDC’s 60th anniversary, adding a special commemorative element to the event.
On the second day of the Book Fair, HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma will join Hong Kong artist Jane Lee, pen name Messy Desk, and more than 100 students to create a collaborative artwork depicting Hong Kong’s transformation. The artwork will document the city’s collective memories and promote cultural inheritance.
Readers can also learn more about HKTDC’s development milestones from the book written by Jack So, the first Chinese Executive Director and former Chairman of the HKTDC.
Promoting Reading Across the Community
The Book Fair will continue to work with different organisations to promote reading across the community.
Sino Group will launch the “Joyful Reading Lucky Rewards” campaign at the Book Fair for the first time, encouraging visitors to find books they enjoy and discover the pleasure of reading. Visitors who spend a designated amount will be eligible to take part and has a chance to receive gifts.
Sino Group will also sponsor some underprivileged families from Community Living Rooms to visit the fair and select books. The Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ & Exporters’ Association and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers will organise “Fun Reading Day”, enabling grassroots students to visit the Book Fair and receive book purchase sponsorships. Sun Hung Kai Properties’ “Read to Dream” initiative will invite students from grassroots families to visit the fair and participate in cultural activities.
These initiatives reinforce the Book Fair’s role not only as a commercial and cultural event, but also as a platform for making reading more accessible.
Sports, Leisure and Snacks Add to the Summer Experience
Running alongside the Book Fair, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo will offer sports experiences, fitness products and edutainment activities.
Highlights include the “Fit & Fearless Challenge” presented by the Hong Kong Playground Association, which combines obstacle course racing and physical fitness challenges. Visitors can test their strength, agility, flexibility and coordination across obstacles of different difficulty levels.
Cyber Smart Limited will showcase lightweight and comfortable pickleball apparel, reflecting innovation in emerging sports products. My Mini Zoo, Hong Kong’s first indoor interactive animal experience space, will exhibit at the expo for the first time, allowing visitors to interact with animals while learning about nature and ecology.
Meanwhile, the World of Snacks will feature more than 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries and regions, from classic favourites to innovative new products. Highlights include handmade peanut cookies from Amore Hand Baked, soybean by-product crispy snacks from Do Did Dust, freeze-dried candy products from Night Fever Limited and high-protein crisps from Goods2buy.
One Ticket, Three Events
A single ticket will provide access to the Hong Kong Book Fair, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks. The adult ticket price remains at HK$30, while concessionary options such as Morning Admission Tickets, Special re-entry and Tourist Tickets will continue to be available.
With books, writers, exhibitions, sports activities and global snacks under one roof, the 36th Hong Kong Book Fair is set to offer more than a reading experience. It will be a summer platform for culture, creativity, community participation and cross-border exchange — inviting visitors to begin their own joyful journeys through the world of books.
Check out the details of the book fair and register for the seminar at: www.hkbookfair.com/en
To promote sports culture, the Hong Kong Playground Association will set up the “Fit & Fearless Challenge” at the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, offering visitors the opportunity to experience obstacle course racing.
Among the exhibitors at the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, Yau Hing (Hong Kong) Company Limited will showcase the locally developed ZypRoller, a resistance training wheel that combines strength training with dynamic movement, bringing a new experience to home workouts.
This year’s World of Snacks will feature more than 1,300 specialty snacks from nearly 30 countries and regions, showcasing both classic favourites and innovative new products to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Sponsor of “World of Art & Culture”, “International Publishing Forum” and “IP Roundtable”
Disclaimer for “World of Art & Culture”, “International Publishing Forum” and “IP Roundtable”: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
