The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded on July 21, 2026, attracting 990,000 visits over seven days. The event, held concurrently with the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and 6th World of Snacks, brought together more than 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. Under the theme “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” the fair featured over 600 events, including cultural seminars and the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, which highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West cultural exchange hub.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that despite heavy rain early on, visitor enthusiasm remained high, with many cultural seminars drawing full houses. “Liu Zhenyun's seminar was a full house,” she said, adding that the ASEAN Literary Festival enabled authors to engage directly with readers. A survey of over 860 respondents revealed that average spending at the Book Fair was HK$923, with 85% using electronic payments, up from last year. The primary purpose for attending was purchasing newly released books (45%), followed by enjoying discounts (43%) and experiencing the cultural atmosphere (23%).
Exhibitors reported strong sales. Cosmos Books Director Alva Au said the fair is the largest annual event for connecting authors and readers, with around 40 new titles debuting exclusively. Bangzo Books HK owner Abdul reported selling nearly 90% of inventory by the fifth day, with some titles selling out. Visitor Ms Lam, who spent about HK$20,000, double last year’s amount, praised the wide selection and discounts. Regular visitor Mr Chan spent over HK$30,000 after researching special offers.
The fair also facilitated cross-regional collaboration. Rashid Alkous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, a first-time exhibitor from the UAE, said: “By the third day, we had concluded agreements with around 15 publishers, and successfully sold the rights to 25 titles.” He plans to return next year with a larger presence.
A key focus was the impact of artificial intelligence on publishing. The International Publishing Forum, themed “Reading for All in the Age of AI: Reshaping and Co-evolution,” brought together publishers, cultural content platforms, and technology companies to explore how AI can enhance reading efficiency and foster a reading culture. The IP Roundtable, themed “Copyright in Transition: Reshaping Rights, Challenges & Opportunities in the Age of AI,” featured industry leaders from seven countries discussing changes in IP regulations and licensing strategies. These sessions drew over 250 industry professionals and reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a regional intellectual property trading centre.
The concurrent fairs also proved popular. The Sports and Leisure Expo featured a “Multi-sport Playground” with an 8-metre abseil challenge attracting over 3,600 visitors, while the World of Snacks showcased traditional and innovative snacks from around the globe. The HKTDC’s “Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading” continues through July with cultural tours and education programmes across Hong Kong.
The HKTDC, celebrating its 60th anniversary, will continue to organize exhibitions and conferences to foster international trade. Key upcoming events include the Food Expo in August, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair in September, and Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) in October. These events aim to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a global business hub and super connector.
