Reading Lights Up the Bay Area, Connects the World, Shares the Future
On August 15, the 2025 Southern China Book Fair officially kicked off with the annual theme “Reading Lights Up the Bay Area, Connects the World, Shares the Future.” The event will run until the 19th.
This year’s book fair adopts a “1+1+N” exhibition model, featuring one main venue and 467 unique branch venues. Nearly 500,000 types of publications and cultural creative products from over 1,500 domestic and international publishers will be showcased, with 2,335 cultural events taking place across all venues.
The main venue, located in Hall B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex, spans approximately 40,000 square meters. It is divided into four themed exhibition halls: “Read the World,” “Read the Future,” “Read Life,” and “Read Guangzhou,” along with 24 specialty pavilions and four interactive zones.
Through reading, the Bay Area shines brighter, and China’s stories reach the world. The Southern China Book Fair, with its cultural confidence and openness, has become an international platform promoting reading and cross-cultural exchange, showcasing Guangdong’s leading role in cultural innovation.
Over 200 Renowned Figures Attend
This year’s book fair brings together a stellar lineup of literary and cultural figures, including award-winning authors, scholars, and celebrities. Bestselling writers and artists from various fields will participate, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the fair’s history.
A highlight of this year’s event is the presence of international authors. American writer Wendelin Van Draanen will host a sharing session for “Flipped,” while Neil Packer, illustrator of the full-color edition of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” will discuss independent illustration. Dutch sci-fi author Roderick Leeuwenhart will engage in a dialogue on speculative fiction, and Laurence Brahm, recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, will present a talk on understanding China through martial arts.
According to the organizing committee, advance bookings for author events have been highly competitive, with some sessions harder to secure than concert tickets.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a special exhibition will be held at the main venue. Additionally, a discussion on international cooperation during WWII will take place, followed by a book launch.
Turning the “Pages of the World” in the Bay Area
With 32 years of history, the Southern China Book Fair continues to embrace global culture. This year, the “Read the World” exhibition hall will showcase cultural highlights from 23 countries and regions, featuring Southeast Asian, European, and Central Asian influences. The fair’s visual identity and signage have also been upgraded to reflect a more international atmosphere.
Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, Vietnam, as the guest country, will host themed events, including an exhibition on Ho Chi Minh’s time in Guangzhou and displays of traditional Vietnamese art and attire. Other activities include Malaysian literature showcases, Dutch Miffy celebrations, and Polish cultural performances.
Penguin Random House, marking its 90th anniversary, will present a special archival series, while Bloomsbury will feature Harry Potter-themed exhibits with life-sized character cutouts for photo opportunities.
The fair also promotes Chinese culture globally through dedicated exhibition spaces and international copyright trade zones, facilitating the global reach of Chinese publications.
Technology and Humanities in Harmony
A notable trend at this year’s fair is the increased presence of scientific publications, accounting for 25% of the offerings. Leading academic publishers will showcase cutting-edge works, including the “China’s Path in Science and Technology” series and AI-related research.
The forum “Smart Future: Technology Reshaping the Publishing Ecosystem” will gather industry leaders to discuss AI’s impact on publishing and explore future trends.
Beyond books, the “Dodo Trend Hub” will spotlight youth culture with over 5,000 trendy products, from anime merchandise to traditional crafts, creating an immersive experience blending entertainment, shopping, and social interaction.
Local creative companies will showcase innovative products, blending pop culture with traditional influences to appeal to younger audiences while revitalizing cultural heritage.
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