Hong Kong Book Fair 2023 Celebrates Youth Literature and Cultural Exchange

The 33rd Hong Kong Book Fair commenced on Wednesday, signaling a significant cultural event in the wake of the full resumption of customs clearance between mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The fair, themed “Children’s and Young Adult Literature,” has made Hong Kong the global spotlight, reaffirming its status as an international hub that bridges Chinese culture with the world.

Around 760 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions globally are expected to grace this 2023 edition of the Book Fair. According to Sophia Chong, a Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event’s organizer, the chosen theme is thought-provoking. She stated that such literature plays an integral role in enhancing young people’s thinking skills and fostering a reading culture in Hong Kong.

The fair features a pavilion dedicated to Chinese mainland culture, emerging as a star attraction. The delegation from North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has brought along 200 pieces of literature and art books, 89 types of audio-visual and creative cultural products, all revolving around its distinct grassland culture. Cultural sociologist Chu Xin believes that these books offer Hongkongers a unique window into the diverse and creative derivations of Chinese mainland culture.

Further enriching the cultural exposition, the Guangdong Province delegation is showcasing books on its renowned Yue (Cantonese) culture. By presenting an assortment of publications introducing Yue cultural tourism, lifestyle, and history, they aim to deepen people’s understanding of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Greater Bay Area. Traditional legacies such as Cantonese embroidery and Kwon-Glazed porcelain are also displayed, revealing the historical and cultural richness of the Greater Bay Area, as noted by Chu.

In line with promoting Hong Kong’s international persona, the World of Art & Culture Zone features literature and culture books from 24 countries and regions, including France, South Korea, and Spain. Notable international guests, including acclaimed British children’s book author Theadora Whittington and 2021 Comedy Women in Print Prize winner Jesse Q Sutanto, are invited to host seminars discussing global book industry’s evolution.

An exciting addition to the fair is the World of Snack event, designed to engage young visitors. This event brings together 1,200 popular snacks from across the world, from snack bars to chocolates.

According to publishing insider Ma Xinyou, book fairs, particularly those hosted in metropolitan cities like Hong Kong and Beijing, have evolved beyond mere sales platforms to become cultural brands representing their cities. As Ma stated, a book fair is a social gala that brings cultural enthusiasts together, reflecting a city’s cultural capacity.

The Hong Kong Book Fair is one of Asia’s largest book fairs, established in 1990. Last year’s event saw over 800,000 attendees, and Sophia Chong expressed hope for a 10 percent increase in this year’s attendance, echoing the growing interest in this cultural gala.

READ MORE:

• Beijing Book Fair 2023 Breaks Records, Signals Recovery for Chinese Publishing Industry
• China’s Hubei Province Hosts Nearly 2,500 Job Fairs for 856,000 Job Openings
• China’s Canton Fair Returns With Expansion, Featuring Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing