The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after seven days, drawing 990,000 visits and bringing together more than 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. Running concurrently with the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and the 6th World of Snacks, the fair created strong synergies, offering a diverse experience to the public under the theme "Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys."
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that despite heavy rain in the initial days, visitor enthusiasm remained high, particularly over the weekend. She highlighted the success of cultural seminars, including a full-house session by renowned author Liu Zhenyun, and the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, which facilitated direct engagement between ASEAN authors and readers, emphasizing Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West cultural exchange hub. Coinciding with HKTDC's 60th anniversary, a celebratory art workshop was held, with HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma joining artist Jane Lee and over 100 students to create a mural displayed at a Wan Chai tram stop.
A survey of over 860 visitors found average spending at HK$923, with 85% using electronic payments. The primary purpose for attending was purchasing newly released books (45%), followed by discounted prices (43%) and experiencing the cultural atmosphere (23%). Fiction was the most popular genre (46%), followed by literature (22%), comics (21%), and children's titles (18%).
Book lovers shared their experiences: Ms. Lam, a repeat visitor, spent around HK$20,000, double last year's amount, mainly on children's books and educational toys. Mr. Chan, a regular, spent over HK$30,000 after researching online discounts. Exhibitors also reported success. Alva Au, Director of Cosmos Books, noted that 40 new titles debuted, with popular works by renowned authors and Hong Kong-themed publications. Abdul, owner of Bangzo Books HK, sold nearly 90% of inventory by the fifth day and plans to expand next year. Classroom Publications saw strong sales of mock exam papers and reading comprehension exercises. First-time exhibitor Emirates Publishers Association secured rights deals for 25 titles, highlighting cross-regional collaboration.
The fair's Eight Seminar Series were well-received, with the ASEAN Literary Festival drawing particular interest. Malaysian author Daryl Yeap engaged students with stories of overseas Chinese communities. Liu Zhenyun's seminar reached capacity twice, attracting over 1,400 attendees, including Ms. He from Zhuhai, who traveled specifically for the event. The Cultural and Creative Spaces zone featured first-time exhibitor Create Hangzhou, offering miniature movable-type printing experiences, and Tsi Ku Chai, which reported steady growth in sales of cultural products and blind-box items.
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. The forum, themed "Reading for All in the Age of AI," drew over 250 industry professionals, exploring how AI can enhance reading efficiency and foster cross-sector cooperation. The IP Roundtable, under "Copyright in Transition," discussed regulatory changes and licensing strategies, with participants from seven countries. These events reinforced Hong Kong's position as a regional intellectual property trading center.
The HKTDC's "Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading" continues through July with cultural tours and public education programs. The Sports and Leisure Expo featured a multi-sport playground attracting over 3,600 visitors, while the World of Snacks showcased international delicacies. Upcoming HKTDC events include the Food Expo in August, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair in September, and Electronics Fair in October, further strengthening Hong Kong's role as a global business hub. For more information, visit HKTDC.
