“Is one day enough to explore the Shanghai Book Fair?” This plea for advice from a freshman named “Debye” in Zhejiang quickly garnered over 70 responses on social media. The book fair “newbie” heeded the suggestions and extended her itinerary to two days—”I’ll wake up at 6 a.m. and head straight to Shanghai!”

On August 13, the 2025 Shanghai Book Fair and “Book Fragrance China” Shanghai Week will kick off, with the literary feast already captivating readers far and wide. A Jiangsu reader nicknamed “Little Lamb” plans to bring her child to the fair, noting, “I booked a 7:20 a.m. high-speed train ticket—earlier than my commute!” Meanwhile, Shanghai reader “Xiaoyao” purchased tickets for all seven days as soon as sales opened, joining many other dedicated attendees.

“Another year of ‘exhaustion and joy’ begins!” remarked Wu Jun, a seasoned exhibitor from Shanghai Century Publishing Group, as he shared a nighttime photo of the Shanghai Exhibition Center. The iconic venue, already adorned with book fair posters, will soon welcome enthusiastic readers from across the country.

This year, the Shanghai Book Fair debuts a “dual-venue” format, with the Shanghai Book City on Fuzhou Road also dressed up for the occasion.

The expanded venues reflect not only increased floor space, exhibitor variety, and event offerings but also Shanghai’s enduring commitment to promoting reading. The slogan “I love reading, I love life” embodies the city’s ethos, where reading—the most fundamental and vital form of learning—is woven into daily life.

Showcasing the Allure of Reading

Launched in 2004 as a retail and reader-focused event, the Shanghai Book Fair has evolved over 21 years into a premier platform for new book releases and a barometer of reading trends, standing as one of China’s most influential literary gatherings.

While regional book fairs each have their unique appeal, many publishers regard Shanghai’s as the “highest-volume” and “most vibrant.” The prime central hall space reserved for the “national team” China Publishing Group and the guest province exemplifies Shanghai’s inclusive spirit.

This year’s guest province, Hunan, will showcase over 4,000 curated books and cultural products, with its fiery slogan “Hunan folks eat chili and publish books” emblazoned on red banners. Meanwhile, China Publishing Group’s innovative “golden books in jade cases” exhibit design aims to surprise regulars. “We worry returning visitors might grow tired of the same look,” joked Chen Yiwang, director of the group’s Shanghai office.

Local powerhouse Shanghai Century Publishing Group’s “Century Matrix”—comprising publishers, bookstores,文创 teams, and digital platforms—will present nearly 10,000 titles, including 2,000 new releases, alongside 300 events. Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House’s deputy director Li Weichang revealed plans for daily “literary hosts” like authors Jin Yucheng and James Campbell to engage readers, complemented by real-time sales-driven recommendations on blackboards.

“We shipped 48 crates weighing 844 kg of文创 to the fair—ready for action!” announced Xie Huijun of Guangxi Normal University Press’s文创 line. As the countdown begins, publishers nationwide are doubling down on content and services, driven by their passion for reading and confidence in Shanghai’s “golden” book fair—a grand parade celebrating literature’s charm.

Spreading the Joy of Reading

This weekend, reading events blossomed across Shanghai’s libraries and bookstores, saturating the city with book fair energy.

Shanghai residents are avid readers, with public reading spaces thriving. A 2024 survey showed 97.15% engage in reading annually, averaging over 10 books per year, while 77.96% frequent libraries, bookstores, or urban reading rooms.

The fair’s innovative “dual-venue + X + N” model expands to district branches, specialty bookstores, and libraries, even reaching community centers for the first time. “From a single hub to citywide participation, the fair now meets readers where they are. This year’s model brings reading to doorsteps, reflecting its reader-centric mission,” noted Jia Xuefei of Zhonghua Book Company Shanghai.

Reading is Shanghai’s cultural DNA. Since last September, the city has recognized model rural libraries like Pudong’s Haichen Village space preserving local heritage, Fengxian’s “Tea Chant”书屋 amid pear orchards, and Baoshan’s

Shanghai Book Fair

The Shanghai Book Fair, established in 2004, is one of China’s largest and most influential literary events, held annually to promote reading and cultural exchange. It features a wide range of books, author talks, and publishing industry forums, attracting millions of visitors each year. The fair reflects Shanghai’s role as a cultural hub and supports China’s efforts to foster a reading culture nationwide.

Book Fragrance China

“Book Fragrance China” (书香中国) is a cultural initiative or event in China that promotes reading and literary appreciation, often linked to book fairs, exhibitions, or digital platforms. It reflects China’s efforts to foster a culture of learning and intellectual engagement, drawing from its long history of valuing literature and scholarly traditions. The concept may also reference modern campaigns to revitalize public interest in books amid rapid digitalization.

Shanghai Exhibition Center

The Shanghai Exhibition Center, originally built in 1955 as the **Sino-Soviet Friendship Building**, is a grand Stalinist-style landmark in central Shanghai. It was constructed with Soviet assistance to symbolize the alliance between China and the USSR during the early Cold War era. Today, it serves as a major venue for international trade fairs, exhibitions, and cultural events, blending historical significance with modern functionality.

Shanghai Book City

Shanghai Book City, located on Fuzhou Road, is one of the largest and most famous bookstores in China, established in 1998. Known as a “cultural landmark,” it spans multiple floors and offers a vast collection of books, including literature, academic works, and foreign-language titles. Over the years, it has become a hub for book lovers and intellectuals, reflecting Shanghai’s vibrant literary and educational culture.

China Publishing Group

The China Publishing Group (CPG) is one of China’s largest state-owned publishing and cultural enterprises, established in 2002 to consolidate and modernize the country’s publishing industry. It oversees the production and distribution of books, newspapers, and digital media, playing a key role in promoting Chinese culture and government-approved content. With a rich history tied to China’s publishing reforms, CPG operates under the supervision of the Chinese government to align with national cultural and ideological policies.

Shanghai Century Publishing Group

The Shanghai Century Publishing Group, founded in 1999, is one of China’s most influential publishing organizations, known for producing high-quality academic, educational, and general-interest books. It emerged from the consolidation of several Shanghai-based publishers and has played a key role in promoting Chinese culture and international literary exchanges. The group has expanded its reach through collaborations with global publishers and digital innovation in the industry.

Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House

The Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House, established in 1952, is one of China’s most renowned publishers specializing in literature, art, and cultural works. It has played a significant role in promoting Chinese literature, including classic and contemporary novels, essays, and translations of foreign works. Over the decades, it has contributed to the cultural and intellectual life of China by supporting both established and emerging writers.

Guangxi Normal University Press

Guangxi Normal University Press, established in 1986, is a prominent academic publishing house affiliated with Guangxi Normal University in China. It specializes in educational, cultural, and scholarly works, particularly in humanities, social sciences, and regional studies, contributing to academic research and cultural exchange. Over the years, it has gained recognition for publishing high-quality textbooks, academic monographs, and works promoting Guangxi’s ethnic and cultural heritage.