The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on various industries, including publishing in China. Over the past three years, the publishing industry in China has encountered numerous challenges due to the pandemic. However, the 35th Beijing Book Fair, considered the bellwether of the publishing industry in China, saw a glimmer of hope for the industry’s recovery in 2023. The fair was initially postponed three times since 2021 and took place from February 24-26, attracting a record number of visitors.
Official statistics revealed that the book fair featured approximately 710 exhibitors with 2,793 stands showcasing almost 400,000 book titles and 345 events, drawing in over 100,000 visitors, a new record. During the peak hours on the first day, visitors had to wait in line for thirty minutes to enter the exhibition center. Those who could not attend in person could still participate by watching livestreamed events.
Besides the recommendations of editors-in-chief from leading publishing houses and experts in various fields on livestreaming platforms, audiences could also purchase books based on the advice of key opinion leaders. For instance, Wang Fang, a key opinion leader or KOL, on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, surpassed 10 million yuan ($1.45 million) in book sales within five hours in her livestreaming room.
The theme of the fair was “a new journey to strengthen cultural self-confidence and create brilliant publications of high quality.” The books and events presented at the fair showcased the industry’s efforts in these areas.
The publishing industry in China has faced considerable challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past three years, but the 35th Beijing Book Fair gave industry insiders hope that the sector might be able to recover in 2023. This book fair, which is viewed as the industry’s bellwether in China, was postponed three times since 2021, but it saw record-breaking numbers of visitors during its run from February 24-26.
According to official statistics, the book fair had 710 exhibitors with 2,793 stands displaying nearly 400,000 book titles and 345 events, attracting over 100,000 visitors, a new record. On the first day of the fair, visitors had to wait in line for thirty minutes to enter the exhibition center during the peak hours. People who were unable to attend the fair in person could participate in the event by watching live-streamed events.
Apart from recommendations from editors-in-chief from leading publishing houses and experts in various fields on live-streaming platforms, audiences could also purchase books based on the advice of key opinion leaders. For instance, in Wang Fang’s live-streaming room, a key opinion leader or KOL on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, book sales surpassed 10 million yuan ($1.45 million) in five hours.
The book fair’s theme was “a new journey to strengthen cultural self-confidence and create brilliant publications of high quality.” The books and events showcased at the fair represented the industry’s efforts in these areas.
The publishing industry in China has encountered various obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last three years. However, the 35th Beijing Book Fair, considered the bellwether of the publishing industry in China, provided a ray of hope for the industry’s recovery in 2023. The book fair, which had been postponed three times since 2021, saw record-breaking numbers of visitors during its run from February 24-26.
According to official statistics, the book fair had 710 exhibitors with 2,793 stands showcasing almost 400,000 book titles and 345 events, drawing in over 100,000 visitors, a new record.
At the 35th Beijing Book Fair, the US section showcased a wide range of literature and collections. One of the highlights was The Commercial Press, which introduced 100 book titles under the Chinese Translation of World Literature series. These classic works, ranging from poetry, fiction, and theater to essays and biographies, are from different countries and regions. Some of the books presented include Persian Letters, Crime and Punishment, and A Thousand and One Nights.
The books by The Commercial Press are significant as they were one of the earliest publishers to introduce foreign literature into China. Their presence at the book fair illustrates the global influence of literature and the importance of cross-cultural exchange. The introduction of these classic works at the fair helps to promote a diverse range of literature and provide access to books that may not have been previously available in China.
Another highlight of the fair was the five Revitalization Library collections by Zhonghua Book Co. This significant national cultural project, initiated in 2017, focuses on the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It selects important literature pertaining to the national revival, dating back to the Opium War in 1840. The collections profoundly reveal the historical logic, the lineage of thought, and the cultural context for China in its march toward rejuvenation.
The collections provide a unique perspective on the history of China and its cultural identity. By focusing on literature from the Opium War to the present day, the collections give insight into China’s journey towards modernization and its role in the world today. The collections are not only significant in their historical context but also in their contribution to the cultural dialogue surrounding China’s place in the world.
In addition to the collections, the US section also presented a range of literature from contemporary American authors. This included books on topics such as politics, history, and culture. The presence of American literature at the fair highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the role of literature in promoting understanding between nations.
Overall, the US section showcased a diverse range of literature that highlights the importance of cross-cultural exchange and promotes a better understanding of different cultures. By presenting classic works from different countries and regions, as well as contemporary American literature, the US section at the Beijing Book Fair contributes to the global dialogue on literature and culture.
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