On April 18, many children came to the “2026 Yangtze River Book Fair · Wuhan Children’s Book Exhibition and Nationwide Reading Activity” at Yuanyangli in Hanyang to select their favorite books. This book fair, themed “Book Fragrance Nourishes Children’s Hearts, Reading Towards the Future,” was guided by the Propaganda Department of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Propaganda Department of the Wuhan Municipal Committee, and hosted by the Hubei Provincial Publication Distribution Industry Association. For the first time, the book fair adopted a “one core, multiple points, city-wide linkage” model, covering six locations: Shouyi Square, East Lake Greenway, Optics Valley Center City Innovation World, Yuanyangli, Xiaoguishan Financial Culture Park, and Wuhan Central Book City, spanning the entire month of April. (Photo by Zhu Xiyong)

Yuanyangli

Yuanyangli is a historic residential area in Shanghai, China, featuring traditional *shikumen* (stone-gate) architecture that blends Western and Chinese styles. Built in the early 20th century, it was originally a high-end neighborhood for wealthy Chinese and foreign residents. Today, it has been preserved and revitalized as a cultural and commercial hub, offering visitors a glimpse into old Shanghai’s urban life.

Hanyang

Hanyang is a historic district in Wuhan, China, located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. It played a key role in Chinese history as the site of the Hanyang Arsenal, a major arms factory established in the late 19th century during the Qing dynasty, and was a focal point during the 1911 Xinhai Revolution that ended imperial rule. Today, Hanyang is known for its cultural landmarks, such as the Guiyuan Temple and the Qingchuan Pavilion, blending its revolutionary past with modern urban life.

Shouyi Square

Shouyi Square is a historically significant public square located in the Wuchang District of Wuhan, China. Its name, meaning “Righteousness,” commemorates the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, a pivotal event that led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. The square features a prominent statue of Sun Yat-sen and is surrounded by important cultural landmarks, including the Wuchang Uprising Memorial Hall.

East Lake Greenway

The East Lake Greenway is a scenic pedestrian and cycling path surrounding East Lake in Wuhan, China, one of the country’s largest urban lakes. Originally developed as part of efforts to restore the lake’s ecosystem and improve public access, the greenway was gradually expanded since 2016 to become a 100-kilometer-long network. It connects historical sites, gardens, and cultural landmarks, offering both a recreational escape and a glimpse into the region’s natural and urban heritage.

Optics Valley Center City Innovation World

Optics Valley Center City Innovation World is a landmark urban development in Wuhan, China, designed to showcase the region’s leadership in the optoelectronics industry. Built in the early 2020s, it features a distinctive “Golden Bell” architectural centerpiece and serves as a hub for technology exhibitions, business innovation, and international collaboration. The site reflects Wuhan’s transformation into a global center for photonics and high-tech research, rooted in the broader development of the Optics Valley (Optics Valley of China) established in the 1980s.

Xiaoguishan Financial Culture Park

Xiaoguishan Financial Culture Park is a themed urban park located in Hefei, China, designed to showcase the history and development of finance and currency. It features sculptures, installations, and exhibits that trace the evolution of money from ancient Chinese forms like shell and bronze coins to modern digital finance. The park also integrates local history, as it is situated near the Xiaoguishan Han Dynasty tomb complex, blending ancient cultural heritage with contemporary financial education.

Wuhan Central Book City

Wuhan Central Book City is a major cultural landmark and one of the largest bookstores in China, located in the heart of Wuhan. Opened in 2019, it was designed as a modern, multi-functional space that combines retail, reading, and cultural events, replacing the older Hubei Provincial Book City. The site aims to promote literacy and serve as a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange in the region.

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flowing over 6,300 kilometers through China. It has been a cradle of Chinese civilization for thousands of years, supporting agriculture, trade, and cultural development since ancient times. Historically, the river served as a crucial transportation route and witnessed major events, including the Three Gorges Dam project, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station.