The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully on July 21, attracting 990,000 visits across seven days. The fair, held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, brought together over 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. Under the theme “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” the event enabled book lovers to explore global histories and cultures, while a single ticket granted access to all three fairs, creating a diverse experience for visitors.
Despite initial heavy rain, visitor enthusiasm remained high, with a surge over the weekend. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that the Book Fair continues to be a beloved cultural event, with seminars by renowned authors like Liu Zhenyun drawing full houses and the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival facilitating cross-regional dialogue. The fair also coincided with HKTDC’s 60th anniversary, featuring a community art creation workshop led by HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and artist Jane Lee.
A survey of over 860 visitors revealed that average spending reached HK$923, with 45% attending primarily to purchase newly released books. Fiction was the most popular genre (46%), followed by literature (22%) and comics (21%). Electronic payments were widely adopted, with 85% of respondents using them. Exhibitors reported strong sales; Cosmos Books launched around 40 new titles, while Bangzo Books HK sold nearly 90% of its inventory by the fifth day. Classroom Publications noted that secondary students favored mock exam papers, while primary students preferred reading comprehension exercises.
The fair also served as a platform for international business collaboration. Rashid Alkous of the Emirates Publishers Association, a first-time exhibitor from the UAE, secured rights deals for 25 titles and plans to expand next year. The International Publishing Forum and IP Roundtable, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, focused on AI’s impact on publishing and copyright, drawing over 250 industry professionals. Discussions explored how AI can enhance reading efficiency and foster cross-sector cooperation.
Cultural and creative spaces like Create Hangzhou and Tsi Ku Chai reported strong interest, with miniature movable-type printing and Dunhuang-inspired puzzles attracting visitors. The Sports and Leisure Expo featured a multi-sport playground with over 3,600 participants, while the World of Snacks offered global delicacies. The HKTDC’s “Cultural July” activities continue through the end of July, extending the city’s summer reading momentum.
The fair’s success underscores Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-west cultural hub and a key platform for the publishing industry. With nearly 1 million visits, it demonstrates sustained public appetite for literary events and cross-sector experiences. As the HKTDC prepares for upcoming exhibitions, including the Food Expo and Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, the Book Fair remains a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s cultural calendar, driving economic activity and international exchange.
