From August 15 to 19, 2025, the Southern China Book Fair will open in Hall B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex, with the annual theme «Reading in the Greater Bay Area · Discovering the World · Sharing the Future.»

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 a total of 2,335 cultural events held across all venues.

The main venue spans approximately 40,000 square meters and 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.

With the goal of illuminating the Greater Bay Area through reading and sharing Chinese stories with the world, the Southern China Book Fair embodies cultural confidence and openness, serving as an international platform to promote reading and cross-cultural exchange while showcasing Guangdong’s leading role in cultural innovation.

Over 200 Renowned Figures in Attendance

This year’s event boasts an unprecedented lineup of distinguished guests, including Mao Dun Literature Prize winners Ge Fei and Liang Xiaosheng, Li River Literature Prize winner Liu Chuxin, scholars Dai Jianye, Kang Zhen, and Zheng Yongnian, as well as bestselling authors Ma Boyong, Liu Tong, Lu Sihao, Zhang Xiaoxian, and Bai Cha. Celebrities such as Hong Kong director Wong Jing and musician Han Hong will also make appearances.

A highlight of this year’s fair is the participation 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 Levenhart will present his novel Celestial Bodies, and Laurence Brahm, recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award and Special Book Award of China, will hold a talk titled «Understanding China—Through Kung Fu» alongside a book signing.

According to organizers, reservations for high-profile events were fully booked almost instantly, with some attendees comparing the demand to that of concert tickets.

In commemoration of 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, featuring archival documents highlighting overseas Chinese contributions. A panel discussion on international cooperation during WWII will also take place, accompanied by a book launch.

«This year, the book fair’s role as a cultural platform has significantly strengthened,» noted one organizer. «International publishers and creators increasingly view it as a space for cultural exchange rather than just a sales channel.»

Exploring the ‘Pages of the World’ in the Greater Bay Area

With 32 years of history rooted in Lingnan culture, this year’s fair emphasizes internationalization. The «Read · The World» pavilion will showcase cultural highlights from 23 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, the Arab world, and Central Asia, alongside bilingual signage to enhance accessibility.

Marking the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations, Vietnam, as the guest of honor, will host events such as «Ho Chi Minh in Guangzhou,» an exhibition of Vietnamese national gifts, traditional áo dài displays, and a retrospective on Chinese literature in Vietnam. Other activities include Malaysian Chinese literature exhibitions, Dutch Miffy celebrations, Polish performances, and French cultural experiences.

The fair also serves as a hub for global publishing trends, featuring Penguin Random House’s 90th-anniversary «Penguin Archives» series and Bloomsbury’s Harry Potter displays with life-sized character cutouts for photo opportunities.

Efforts to promote Chinese culture globally are evident in the international rights trading zone, where agreements for exporting Guangdong-published books will be signed, and multilingual editions of works like Jin Yong’s novels will be displayed.

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China Import and Export Fair Complex

The China Import and Export Fair Complex, also known as the Canton Fair Complex, is a major exhibition center in Guangzhou, China, hosting the biannual Canton Fair since 1957. It is one of the largest trade fairs in the world, promoting international trade and showcasing Chinese products. The modern complex, expanded over the years, reflects Guangzhou’s role as a global trading hub.

Greater Bay Area

The **Greater Bay Area (GBA)** is a major economic and cultural hub in southern China, encompassing **11 cities**, including Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Established as a national development strategy in 2017, it aims to integrate the region into a world-class innovation and business center, leveraging its history as a key trade and maritime gateway. The area combines ancient cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, fostering global connectivity while preserving Cantonese traditions.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, is a major port city with a history spanning over 2,200 years. Known as a key stop on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, it has long been a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Today, Guangzhou blends modern skyscrapers with historic sites like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the iconic Canton Tower.

Lingnan culture

Lingnan culture refers to the unique cultural heritage of China’s southern Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan regions, as well as parts of Hong Kong and Macau. Rooted in ancient Baiyue traditions, it blends indigenous customs with influences from Central China, maritime trade, and overseas Chinese communities. Known for its distinctive architecture, Cantonese opera, and culinary traditions like dim sum, Lingnan culture reflects a history of openness, adaptability, and regional pride.

Ho Chi Minh in Guangzhou

«Ho Chi Minh in Guangzhou» refers to the historical connection between Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and the city of Guangzhou, China. During the 1920s, Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in Guangzhou, where he organized revolutionary activities and founded the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League (1925), a precursor to the Communist Party of Vietnam. The site includes memorials and a museum at the former office of the league, highlighting this pivotal period in Vietnam’s independence movement.

Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House is one of the world’s largest publishing companies, formed in 2013 through the merger of Penguin Group (founded in 1935) and Random House (founded in 1927). Known for its vast catalog of books across genres, it publishes works by renowned authors and has played a significant role in shaping global literature. The company operates under the umbrella of Bertelsmann, a German media conglomerate.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is a historic district in central London, known for its literary and intellectual heritage, elegant Georgian architecture, and world-class institutions like the British Museum. In the early 20th century, it was home to the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of influential writers, artists, and thinkers, including Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes. Today, it remains a cultural hub, with universities, museums, and lush garden squares.

Jin Yong’s novels

Jin Yong’s novels refer to the works of Louis Cha (1924–2018), a celebrated Chinese writer whose martial arts (wuxia) stories have captivated readers since the 1950s. Set in historical China, his 15 epic novels, such as *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* and *The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*, blend chivalry, romance, and philosophy, redefining modern wuxia literature. His works remain iconic in Chinese pop culture, inspiring countless adaptations in film, TV, and games.