The 2026 Hong Kong Book Fair, one of Asia’s most influential cultural events, has opened its doors to writers and readers from around the world, in a celebration of storytelling, discovery and international exchange.
The theme of the year is ‘Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys’, reflecting how literature can preserve and reimagine traditional culture, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.
“Through reading, we hope to inspire readers to set out from Hong Kong to explore the history, culture and way of life of destinations around the world,” said Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in his welcome remarks at the opening ceremony.
The Book Fair, which has been organised by the HKTDC, is being held concurrently with two other HKTDC events, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks.
Between them, the three fairs have attracted more than 770 exhibitors, offering visitors a diverse mix of literary, sporting and culinary experiences.
Cultural activities
The Book Fair features seminars with distinguished authors, scholars and cultural figures, as well as dedicated exhibitions, thematic zones and more.
Speakers at the Theme of the Year seminars, for example, include Museum Expert Adviser of the Hong Kong Museum of History Cheng Po-hung, Chinese modern literature scholar Xu Zidong and Cantonese opera star Law Kar-ying. Mr Law is sharing the stage with Alisa Shum, former Chief Executive of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong.
The Renowned Writers seminars, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, also has an impressive line-up, including Hong Kong cultural studies scholar Louis Yu and avant-garde writer Su Tong, as well as acclaimed novelists Liu Zhenyun and Bi Feiyu.
Meanwhile, the English and International Reading seminars are presenting diverse perspectives from around the world, including British poet and novelist Luke Kennard, Swedish fantasy novelist Kristina Dowling and the ASEAN Literary Festival, a collaboration between the HKTDC and the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation.
Celebrated Indonesian novelist Eka Kurniawan, renowned Indonesian-born Singaporean author Clarissa Goenawan and Marga Ortigas, a Philippine author and former war correspondent, are all taking part in the ASEAN Literary Festival, which is making its debut this year.
Many other distinguished figures are also speaking at this year's Book Fair. These include Liu Heung Shing, the first Chinese recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography, Jasper Tsang, former President of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, and Ronnie Chan, Founding Chairman of the China Heritage Fund. Mr Chan is also Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties.
Exploring the world
A special exhibition connecting Hong Kong with the wider world through literature and culture is also being staged this year, as part of the World of Art & Culture zone. This zone continues to be sponsored by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency.
The exhibition, called ‘World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart’, showcases more than 200 books and exhibits from around the world through partnerships with participating organisations and Consulates-General in Hong Kong. Interactive installations can also recommend books and Hong Kong travel itineraries based on visitors’ reading preferences and personalities.
In addition, the Cultural and Creative Zone has returned, following its popular debut last year, showcasing intangible cultural heritage crafts, creative products and intellectual property merchandise. This year’s Chinese Mainland Publishers pavilion is showcasing some 20,000 publications, with Yunnan highlighted as the fair’s featured province.
An exhibition from The Hong Kong Jockey Club is offering interactive activities for children, teenagers and parents on a range of topics, including cyber literacy, emotional management, social skills, time management and financial literacy.