The 35th Hong Kong Book Fair kicked off yesterday (July 16) for a seven-day run, with bustling crowds thronging the venue. Long queues formed at numerous mystery novel and comic book stalls as readers eagerly interacted with authors and sought autographs, driving robust sales. The event has long transcended Hong Kong to become a literary extravaganza for the Greater Bay Area and even across Asia, attracting hordes of local and international book lovers to this cultural feast.
Some exhibitors noted that Hong Kong, as an East-West cultural exchange hub, offers international readers "one-stop treasure hunting." Certain booksellers have even partnered with Guangzhou bookstores to arrange direct shuttle buses for mainland visitors and provide exclusive discounts, responding to growing cross-boundary attendance. Industry analysts observed that the fair's high inclusivity and cultural diversity continue drawing publishers from various countries and regions.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 35th edition launched yesterday alongside the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, featuring over 770 exhibitors collectively. This year's theme, "Food Culture • Future Living," anchors more than 620 cultural activities both on and off-site, with renowned food literature authors invited to discuss cultural nuances, lifestyles, and future culinary innovations through technology.
Though doors officially opened at 10 am yesterday, fans arrived early to queue. When the clock struck ten, crowds surged toward target booths, filling the venue within moments.
Taishan reader's immersive Hong Kong cultural experience
Among attendees, mainland visitors stood out. Ms. Lin from Guangdong's Taishan told Wen Wei Po she arrived a day early and waited outside the hall since 9 am yesterday solely to meet authors from "Creation Cabin" and collect signatures. Deeply influenced by Hong Kong's cultural exports, she particularly enjoys 1990s gangster fiction and sci-fi mysteries from the city, making this trip to physically visit locations like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok mentioned in the books.
Shanghai resident Mr. Tao is spending three days in Hong Kong with friends to browse the fair. An avid collector of modern Chinese history titles, he specifically came to "hunt treasures" among Hong Kong-published works containing rare historical materials. Booksellers reported approximately 10% higher first-day attendance than in previous years, with similar sales growth expected.
To attract mainland readers, tailored services abound. Sara Ng, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Commercial Press, noted that many mainland fans of Prof. Xu Zidong's works prompted their early release of the first seven volumes of the collected works of Prof. Xu. The publisher also partnered with Guangzhou bookstores to offer direct shuttle buses and exclusive discounts.
High footfall facilitates reader engagement
Ng emphasized that the fair's advantages lie in massive visitor numbers and diverse programming that fosters publisher-reader interaction. By gathering global exhibitors, it encourages cultural exchange—"a major benefit for cross-cultural dialogue."
Veteran publisher Zhou Jianhua, General Manager & Editor-in-Chief of Chung Hwa Book, told Wen Wei Po that while international book expos exist globally, the Hong Kong event remains irreplaceable for Chinese-language publishers and readers. Its retail-focused model with substantial discounts creates an annual highlight for both buyers and sellers.
"The moment the Hong Kong Book Fair opens, all readers can immediately purchase books. While regular Hong Kong bookstores hardly offer discounts, most new titles here enjoy 20% off, with past promotions like 'five books at 30% off' proving extremely attractive."
Zhou contrasted this with Beijing's annual BIBF in June—primarily for copyright trading with few general readers—and other mainland fairs requiring Hong Kong publishers to sell through import agents. He expressed confidence that years of careful cultivation will sustain the fair's brand influence among Chinese readers worldwide.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Hong Zekai; English Editor: Darius)
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