The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair unveils annual theme: ‘Cultural Heritage – Joyful Journeys’ | News
The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from July 15 to 21 (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), concurrently with the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks. As one of the most important summer cultural and recreational events in Hong Kong, the three fairs are estimated to bring together more than 770 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries and regions, providing citizens and tourists with a one-stop destination for cultural, sports and leisure experiences.
This year’s Book Fair has the annual theme ‘Cultural heritage | Joyful Travels’ and presents ‘Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading’ in addition to a series of cultural events. More than 600 cultural events will take place both on the fairgrounds and in the city, inviting the public to explore the world through reading and travel, while experiencing cultural heritage, distinctive local traditions and the vibrant creativity of destinations around the world.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel has chosen ‘Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys’ this year. We hope to inspire readers to explore the heritage and innovation of traditional culture in modern society through reading. Moreover, we invite everyone to immerse themselves in cultural and ecotourism, and experience the beauty of culture and nature, broaden their horizons and stimulate their minds along the journey.”
Ms Koo added that as the HKTDC celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, on the second day of the Book Fair, HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma will join Hong Kong artist Jane Lee (pseudonym: Messy Desk) and more than 100 students to create a collaborative artwork depicting Hong Kong’s transformation, documenting the city’s collective memories and promoting its cultural heritage. Readers can 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.
“World of Art & Culture” broadens the global horizon
Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Book Fair continues to offer several exciting highlights, including the ‘World of Art & Culture’ zone, as well as the industry-focused ‘International Publishing Forum’ and ‘IP Roundtable’.
In line with the theme of the fair, the exhibition “World in Words, A Journey of the Heart” will be on display in the “World of Art & Culture” zone. In four zones, it uses the dual perspectives of “Local Eye” and “Global Eye” to connect stories from Hong Kong with world literature, showcasing the beauty of different cultures. There are six interactive setups that book participants and recommend in-depth itineraries based on their preferences. In collaboration with several consulates in Hong Kong, the exhibition also displays more than 200 books and items from around the world to make ‘travel literature’ easy and fun to understand.
Eight Seminar Series brings together renowned writers from around the world
The Book Fair offers a series of eight seminars, inviting authors from around the world to share and exchange ideas with readers. The sessions are: Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Books, World of Knowledge, Books for Children and Young People, Hong Kong Culture and History, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organized by the HKTDC together with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will feature a lineup of influential Chinese-language writers who will share and interact with readers on the ground. Heavyweight speakers include Liu Zhenyun, whose work was selected from Yazhou Zhoukan’s top 10 Chinese novels of 2025; Su Tong, one of the leading figures of Chinese avant-garde fiction; Bi Feiyu, recipient of the ZhuangZhongWen Literature Prize and the Lu Xun Literature Prize; Chinese architect and novelist Liu Jiakun; and Louis Yu, adjunct associate professor in the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The English and International Books Seminar Series welcomes a number of foreign authors. Speakers include British poet and novelist Luke Kennard, winner of several major literary prizes in the United Kingdom. In addition to literary creation, the event will also cover topics on economics and current affairs. Joe Ngai, JP, Greater China Chairman of McKinsey & Company, will discuss the global economic landscape, analyze the unique positioning of the Chinese market, and guide companies as they formulate future strategies in China.
This year, the Book Fair, in collaboration with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, is introducing the ASEAN Literary Festival for the first time under the English and International Books Seminar Series, to promote cultural exchange between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries. Participating authors include Eka Kurniawan, recognized as one of Indonesia’s most internationally influential contemporary novelists, and Indonesian-born Singaporean writer Clarissa Goenawan, whose works have been translated into twelve languages.
Other speakers participating in various seminar series include Ronnie Chan, honorary chairman of Hang Lung Properties; and Jasper Tsang, former chairman 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.
An orbital payload expert from Hong Kong recently participated in a national space mission for the first time, marking a historic and very important milestone. This year’s Book Fair will feature a number of leading aerospace experts as speakers. They include Professor Wu Bo of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Gao Yang and Professor Su Hui of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, as well as Dr. So Chu Wing, curator of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Together they will share insights into the journey and remarkable achievements of the country’s space missions.
In terms of industry events, the “International Publishing Forum” and the “IP Roundtable” will analyze the latest publishing developments and market trends, helping industry professionals discover and seize new business opportunities.
Various thematic zones demonstrate cultural creativity
After its popularity last year, the Cultural and Creative Space returns, with the Fujian Pavilion, Hangzhou Pavilion and Hong Kong Exhibitor Tsi Ku Chai, showcasing intangible cultural heritage, creative products and intellectual property merchandise. This year, China Mainland Publishers will bring together 49 publishing organizations, representing approximately 20,000 publications. Highlighting Yunnan as the province of the year, they showcase the region’s diverse cultures, unique ecosystem and vibrant tourism potential, inviting Hong Kong readers to discover Yunnan through the world of books. The Hong Kong Jockey Club will set up a thematic exhibition space that combines learning and fun experiences to inspire the public to adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle.
Community-wide efforts to promote reading
Each year the Book Fair partners with a wide range of organizations to promote a reading culture. This year, Sino Group is launching the ‘Joyful Reading Lucky Rewards’ campaign at the Book Fair for the first time, encouraging visitors to find books they like and discover the joy of reading. Visitors who spend a certain amount are eligible to participate in the campaign and receive gifts. Sino Group will also sponsor some underprivileged families from Community Living Rooms to visit the fair and select books, so that more families in need can share the joy of reading.
The Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ & Exporters’ Association and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers will organize a ‘Fun Reading Day’ to enable primary students to visit the book fair and receive book purchase sponsorship. Sun Hung Kai Properties’ ‘Read to Dream’ initiative invites students from primary families to visit the fair and participate in cultural activities.
Sports and Leisure Expo offers new experiences in sports, learning and leisure
Coinciding with the Book Fair, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo offers a wide range of sports experiences, fitness products and edutainment activities, encouraging the public to embrace a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the fun of sports and leisure.
The expo will highlight the latest sports trends through various experiential activities and products. The Hong Kong Playground Association presents the “Fit & Fearless Challenge”, which combines elements of obstacle course and physical fitness challenges. Visitors can test themselves on obstacles of varying difficulty and experience a sport that requires strength, agility, flexibility and coordination. Cyber Smart Limited will showcase lightweight, comfortable pickleball apparel, highlighting innovation in emerging sports products.
This year’s expo emphasizes leisure and educational experiences. My Mini Zoo, Hong Kong’s first interactive indoor animal experience space, will be exhibiting at the expo for the first time. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact up close with a variety of animals, while learning more about nature and ecology through hands-on involvement, creating an enjoyable and educational family experience.
World of Snacks brings flavors from all over the world
This year’s World of Snacks features more than 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries and regions, ranging from classic favorites to innovative new products, offering visitors a global culinary journey.
The fair showcases both local delicacies and innovative healthy snacks. Local brand Amore Hand Baked presents its popular handmade peanut cookies. Developed by a group of young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Do Did Dust transforms soybean by-products into crunchy snacks, combining taste, health and sustainability. Night Fever Limited will introduce freeze-dried candy products that use freeze-drying technology to create a unique texture, while Goods2buy will offer high-protein chips aimed at fitness enthusiasts.
One ticket gives access to three events: the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks. This year, the ticket price for adults remains HK$30, while special discounts such as Morning Admission Tickets, Special re-entry and Tourist Tickets remain available.
To celebrate the HKTDC’s 60th anniversary, a special promotion titled ’60 Book Fair Super Passes’ Giveaway is being launched. Participants who take part in the HKTDC 60th Anniversary Facebook game will have a chance to win one of 60 Book Fair Super Passes. For more information, stay tuned to HKTDC’s official social media channels for the latest updates.
