“There are so many great books at the book fair—I want to pick out some foreign literature. The cultural and creative exhibition area is also rich and exquisite, worth exploring carefully.” The “Fragrance of the Yangtze” Reading Week · Wuhan Book Fair and the 20th Central China Book Trade Fair officially kicked off at the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center, attracting readers of all ages. Pan Lufan, a 26-year-old reader, walked around the exhibition with a “stamp collection map,” praising the stamp activity as very interesting and helpful for exploring every area.

As one of the 12 main events of the 2025 Yangtze River Culture and Arts Festival, this reading week is themed “Reading the Yangtze, Gathering Wisdom at the Pivot.” The Wuhan Book Fair covers a total area of 20,000 square meters, bringing together more than 400 publishing and distribution units from across the country, showcasing over 70,000 types of high-quality books, and nearly 100 cultural and creative units have brought nearly 10,000 types of distinctive cultural and creative products. Six major themed exhibition clusters were set up on-site, focusing on book and cultural displays, cultural exchanges, reading promotion, creative experiences, and cultural benefits for the public, aiming to cultivate a new era Yangtze cultural brand.

The books on display cover multiple categories including literature, social sciences, history, economics and management, biography, popular science, art, lifestyle, children’s books, and education. Through themed spaces, scenes, booths, and activities, the fair enriches the visitor experience. Luo Le, a 37-year-old reader, said that besides selecting interesting books for herself, she also wanted to pick out books that would interest her child and help foster a reading habit.

The cultural and creative exhibition area gathered many popular items and offered interactive experiences. Lu Xun’s iconic “Mr. Lu’s Knitted Vest,” which has gone viral, attracted many visitors. A large number of stylish and meaningful cultural products were well received by readers.

In addition to a minimum 40% discount on all books, the fair distributed cultural benefit vouchers totaling 5 million yuan. Many people carried shopping baskets or pushed carts full of books to checkout; some even brought suitcases to buy books. A Ms. Chen came from Wuchang and picked out a large stack of children’s books for her first-grader. After discounts, the total came to over 510 yuan, and with the benefit vouchers, it was less than 300 yuan. She exclaimed happily, “I didn’t expect an extra discount! My child will be overjoyed to see so many books after school.”

The display screen at the fair showed that sales at the online branch were also steadily rising.

That day, the fair hosted events such as the “Reading the Yangtze” Book Salon, the AI-Driven High-Quality Development Conference for the Publishing Industry, the launch of “Fragrance of China Tour · Hubei Station,” the Yangtze Wisdom Library Innovation Conference, the

Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center

The Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center is a major modern convention facility located in Wuhan, China. It was established to support the city’s growing role as a hub for commerce and international trade in central China. The center hosts numerous large-scale expositions, trade fairs, and conferences, contributing significantly to the regional economy.

Yangtze River Culture and Arts Festival

The Yangtze River Culture and Arts Festival is a major cultural event held in China, celebrating the rich heritage of the regions along the Yangtze River. It was established to promote cultural exchange and showcase diverse artistic performances, including music, dance, and theater. The festival highlights the historical and contemporary significance of the Yangtze River as a cradle of Chinese civilization.

Fragrance of the Yangtze Reading Week

“Fragrance of the Yangtze Reading Week” is a modern cultural event, not a historical site, that promotes reading and literary culture along China’s Yangtze River region. It was established to foster a love for literature and intellectual exchange among the public. The event typically features book fairs, author talks, and cultural activities celebrating Chinese literary heritage.

Wuhan Book Fair

The Wuhan Book Fair is an annual cultural event in Wuhan, China, that began in the early 1980s. It has grown into one of the country’s largest and most influential book expos, showcasing a vast array of domestic and international publications. The fair promotes reading culture and serves as a major platform for publishers, authors, and readers to connect.

Central China Book Trade Fair

The Central China Book Trade Fair is a major regional publishing event held annually in China, primarily serving publishers, distributors, and booksellers. It was established to foster trade and cultural exchange within the publishing industry across central China. The fair showcases a vast array of books and publications, promoting literacy and the dissemination of knowledge throughout the region.

Lu Xun’s Knitted Vest

“Lu Xun’s Knitted Vest” refers to a famous woolen vest worn by the influential 20th-century Chinese writer Lu Xun. It symbolizes his simple, frugal lifestyle and dedication to his work, as he was often photographed wearing it while writing. The vest is now a cultural artifact representing the intellectual spirit and modesty of China’s modern literary giant.

Fragrance of China Tour

The “Fragrance of China Tour” is a cultural performance and exhibition that showcases traditional Chinese arts, crafts, and intangible cultural heritage. It often travels internationally to promote Chinese culture, featuring elements like calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and folk music. While it doesn’t have a single historical site, it represents a modern effort to preserve and share China’s ancient traditions with a global audience.

Yangtze Wisdom Library

The Yangtze Wisdom Library is a modern public library located in Zhenjiang, China, which opened in 2021. It was designed to be a futuristic cultural hub and landmark, featuring a distinctive architectural style with an undulating roofline that symbolizes the flow of the nearby Yangtze River. The library serves as a center for learning, innovation, and community engagement in the region.