The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded on July 21, 2026, drawing 990,000 visits over seven days. The event, held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, brought together more than 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. The fairs, operating under the theme “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” featured over 600 events, including cultural seminars and the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, which underscored Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that despite early heavy rain, visitor enthusiasm remained high, particularly over the weekend. She highlighted the strong response to seminars, such as those by author Liu Zhenyun, which reached full capacity. The Book Fair’s impact extended beyond reading, with a survey of over 860 respondents revealing an average spending of HK$923. More than 90% of exhibitors accepted electronic payments, and 85% of visitors used such methods, an increase from last year. The primary reasons for attending were purchasing new books (45%), enjoying discounts (43%), and experiencing the cultural atmosphere (23%).
The fair facilitated significant business and cultural exchange. First-time exhibitor Emirates Publishers Association from the UAE secured rights sales for 25 titles and agreements with around 15 publishers. Rashid Alkous, its Executive Director, stated plans to translate traditional Chinese books into Arabic and expand their presence next year. Local exhibitors also reported strong sales; Cosmos Books launched around 40 new titles, while Bangzo Books HK sold nearly 90% of inventory by the fifth day. Visitor spending ranged from HK$20,000 to over HK$30,000, with many using suitcases to carry purchases.
The concurrent Sports and Leisure Expo attracted over 3,600 visitors to its “Multi-sport Playground,” featuring an 8-metre abseil. The World of Snacks showcased international delicacies, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The HKTDC also organized the International Publishing Forum and IP Roundtable, focusing on AI's impact on publishing and copyright. These sessions drew over 250 industry professionals, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a regional intellectual property trading centre. The “Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading” initiative continues through July with activities across the city.
