Hong Kong residents and visitors will “relish the joy and flavour of reading” as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) blockbuster book, sports and snack fairs return from 16 to 22 July under the theme of reading and food.
Presenting a veritable feast for hungry readers, the Book Fair will feature more than 620 cultural activities including author seminars, book launches and exhibitions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and other locations around the city.
A highlight will be an interactive exhibition titled “Book a Table – Food for Thought” featuring eight tables curated by artists exploring themes related to food, healthy living, music, art and more. Complementing the display, workshops led by food critics, restaurant owners and culinary innovators will delve into topics such as cuisine, diets and farming.
Introducing this year’s theme – Food Culture Future Living - Hong Kong Trade Development Council Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “Both food and reading serve as carriers of culture. As a renowned food paradise where east meets west, Hong Kong offers a unique platform for promoting international cultural exchange through food literature.”
As this year’s Guest of Honour, Sichuan Province will showcase an vibrant selection of food, wine and tea products alongside artifacts hghlighting opera, embroidery and publishing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of panda-themed books and creative products.
As in past years, readers will have the chance to engage with influential Chinese-language writers at the fair while authors from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Czech Republic and other countries and regions will also make an appearance.
Science-fiction fans will not want to miss talks by two of Asia’s leading writers in the genre - Rie Kudan from Japan and Kim Bo-young from Korea – while sports fans will be keen to hear from Vivian Kong, Hong Kong’s Olympic gold medallist in fencing.
Savouring sports and snacks
The Sports and Leisure Expo will run concurrently with the Book Fair, placing a special focus on the National Games to be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in November.
As a special treat for basketball followers, the Hong Kong stop of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour will be held at the HKCEC on 19 and 20 July and a FIBA zone will feature games booths and product displays,
The Hong Kong Playground Association’s booth will offer pickleball, skipping, dodgeball and drone soccer experiences to daring visitors across various days.
Meanwhile, a Travel Zone will debut this year with Japan, Taiwan and Thailand pavilions sure to inspire adventure-seeking travellers. Local enthusiasts can explore water sports and camping experiences in Cheung Chau and the New Territories.
The World of Snacks will return with a spread of over 1,300 treats featuring classic flavours, healthy options and handcrafted delights from around the world.
Among the many treats to savour are black sesame snacks from Kowloon brand Heartwarming featured in the Michelin Guide's 2025 list of cheap eats, as well as handcrafted sodas in unique flavours such as ginger lemon honey and salted plum lemon honey.
Entry to all three events - the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks - is HK$30, with special discounts for tourists, multiple entries and groups.
In tandem with the Book Fair, the HKTDC is once again organising Cultural July in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government, publishers and various educational, cultural and arts institutions.
From 24 June to 31 July the programme will feature nearly 400 cultural activities promoting a love of reading across all 18 districts.
