The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo, and the 6th World of Snacks opened today, 15 July 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three events run concurrently through 21 July, offering visitors a single-ticket experience that combines reading, sports, leisure, and global snacks. The opening ceremony featured Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, as officiating guest, and Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, who delivered welcome remarks.
Professor Ma highlighted the significance of the Book Fair as one of Asia's most influential cultural events, noting that this year's theme, "Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys," aims to inspire readers to explore global cultures through literature. He emphasized that the concurrent events, attracting more than 770 exhibitors, reinforce Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-west center for international cultural exchange. The Book Fair features eight seminar series, including the Theme of the Year series with speakers such as Cheng Po-hung, who will discuss Hong Kong's century-long history of tourist attractions, and Xu Zidong, a Chinese modern literature scholar. The Renowned Writers series includes Su Tong, Liu Zhenyun, and Bi Feiyu, while the English and International Reading series presents British poet Luke Kennard and Swedish novelist Kristina Dowling. A new ASEAN Literary Festival, in collaboration with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, features authors Eka Kurniawan and Clarissa Goenawan.
The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, showcases over 200 books and exhibits under the theme "World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart." Interactive installations recommend reading itineraries based on visitors' preferences. The Chinese Mainland Publishers zone features Yunnan as the featured province, displaying 20,000 publications and cultural products. The Guangdong Publishing Pavilion includes a Qiaopi Cultural Zone exploring Chaoshan emigrant heritage. The Cultural and Creative Space debuts the Fujian delegation with Dehua porcelain and Jian kiln ceramics, and the Hangzhou Pavilion showcases traditional mortise and tenon craftsmanship.
The Sports and Leisure Expo offers diverse experiences, including a themed exhibition by the Hong Kong Sports Institute celebrating its 35th anniversary, showcasing medallists' achievements. Now TV will broadcast major sporting events on large screens. New participants include Turkiye and Korea in the Travel & Tourism zone, featuring mosaic lamps and Korean pop culture. The expo hosts athlete sharing sessions with former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau, plus a bodybuilding preview by the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness.
The World of Snacks brings together over 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries, organized into six zones. Exhibitors include The Nutter Company with handmade nut butter ice cream, Azure Asia with additive-free snacks, and TimeTo Gold with traditional pastries made by senior women. Belton Group introduces Thai-style crispy grilled squid. Interactive activities include a black sesame roll demonstration and a Junior Sommelier Workshop.
Admission is HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with concessions for tourists (HK$20) and persons with disabilities (HK$10). A Super Pass at HK$88 offers unlimited entry. Morning admission tickets are HK$10 before noon. Special re-entry promotions allow visitors with tickets from 15 or 16 July to enter free after 7pm on subsequent days. The events underscore Hong Kong's summer highlights, combining cultural, leisure, and gastronomic attractions.
