Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the annual Hong Kong Book Fair, together with the Hong Kong Sports & Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, will bring together over 770 exhibitors at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 16 to 22. As the flagship summer event in July, this year's Book Fair adopts "Food Culture • Future Living" as its theme, featuring integrated exhibitions combining culinary arts and reading, along with multiple sports experience zones for visitors to try emerging outdoor activities.
As a highlight of "Hong Kong Summer Viva," the Book Fair will host over 620 cultural activities both on-site and across the city, showcasing Hong Kong's unique position as a global confluence of Eastern and Western ideas.
Culinary literature as cultural bridge
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong emphasized that both food and literature serve as cultural vessels.
"Gastronomic writings preserve culinary traditions through texts—every dish tells a story worth sharing."
Noting Hong Kong's status as a gourmet paradise where East meets West, she added that food literature provides an ideal platform for cross-cultural artistic exchange, encouraging readers to savor the cultural nuances, lifestyles, and future food technologies embedded in texts.
New features & international appeal
The fair continues to attract global literary figures while introducing new elements:
- First-ever "Cultural & Creative Products Zone" featuring interactive intangible cultural heritage experiences and Macao-inspired designs
- A Hong Kong innovation & technology thematic pop-up display area exhibiting cutting-edge tech products
- Industry events including the International Publishing Forum, Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards, and Publishing Pub 3.0 Launch
- Enhanced "IP Roundtable" with business matching opportunities
Sports & Leisure Expo features mascot photo ops
Coinciding with Hong Kong's hosting of the 15th National Games, the Sports & Leisure Expo will set up a display area for visitors to take photos with mascots and learn about the competitions and mass events Hong Kong will host.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute will again set up an athlete cheer zone and display precious items from elite athletes to support teams preparing for the National Games. The Hong Kong Playground Association will also participate again, featuring its signature mobile rope net and adding new sports experience zones for visitors to try pickleball, freestyle jump rope, and running activities.
First-time exhibitor Go Park Sports Sai Sha will offer multiple sports experience activities, including padbol and pickleball. The firm's assistant marketing and communications manager noted that Hong Kong's sports culture has been growing increasingly vibrant in recent years, with emerging outdoor sports like padbol and pickleball successfully attracting participation across all age groups. With professional coaching, beginners can easily join these activities.
During the Book Fair, the Sports & Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will be held concurrently. The three exhibitions will feature over 770 exhibitors combined, offering a rich array of cultural activities for residents and visitors.
To celebrate the Book Fair's 35th edition, organizers will launch three special offers:
- Free admission for those born in 1990
- Limited 500 group packages allowing five people to enter for the price of three tickets
- Chance to redeem exclusive souvenirs with purchases of HK$500 or more
Promotional tours to continue in Shenzhen and Guangzhou
Chong noted that post-pandemic economic conditions and consumption patterns have changed. Last year's Book Fair saw many residents spending in Hong Kong along with visitors from mainland China, creating a lively atmosphere. This year, promotions will continue in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with new efforts to promote the Book Fair in high-speed rail cities like Changsha in Hunan province.
Regarding at least three publishers or bookstores being denied participation this year, Chong stated that not all booksellers can successfully exhibit and declined to comment on individual cases. She emphasized that there is no pre-screening of books but reminded exhibitors to comply with the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Books found in violation will be handled according to established procedures.
Details of the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair
Dates: July 16-22
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Opening Hours:
July 16-21: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
July 22: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
Adults: HK$30
Children: HK$10
Ticket Purchase Methods:
E-tickets available via:
AlipayHK
Alipay
Octopus App
The Club
01 Space
All 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores
*Free admission for children aged 3 or below and seniors aged 65 or above.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Wu Jianyi; English Editor: Darius)
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