The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully on July 21, 2026, attracting nearly 1 million visits. The seven-day event, held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, brought together more than 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, offering a diverse experience for attendees.
The fair, themed “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” featured over 600 events, including seminars and cultural activities. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that despite heavy rain, visitor enthusiasm remained high, with many cultural seminars drawing full houses. The inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival was well received, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West cultural exchange hub.
A survey of over 860 respondents revealed that average spending at the Book Fair was HK$923. More than 90% of exhibitors accepted electronic payments, and 85% of visitors used such methods, an increase 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%). Fiction was the most popular genre (46%), followed by literature (22%) and comics (21%).
Exhibitors reported strong sales. Cosmos Books Director Alva Au said the fair is the largest annual event for book lovers and publishers, with around 40 new titles making exclusive debuts. Bangzo Books HK owner Abdul sold nearly 90% of inventory by the fifth day and plans to expand next year. Classroom Publications noted that secondary students mainly bought mock exam papers while primary students favored reading comprehension exercises.
The fair also facilitated cross-regional business collaboration. Rashid Alkous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, a first-time exhibitor from the UAE, said they concluded agreements with around 15 publishers by the third day and sold rights to 25 titles. He plans to return next year and expand presence.
The International Publishing Forum and IP Roundtable, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, focused on the theme “Reading for All in the Age of AI: Reshaping and Co-evolution.” Over 250 industry professionals discussed how AI can enhance reading efficiency and foster cross-sector cooperation. The IP Roundtable, themed “Copyright in Transition,” examined changes in IP regulations and licensing strategies in the AI era.
The fairs also included the Sports and Leisure Expo, which featured a “Multi-sport Playground” with over 3,600 visitors taking on challenges, and the World of Snacks, showcasing international delicacies. The HKTDC will continue organizing events in the coming months, including the Food Expo in August and the Hong Kong Electronics Fair in October, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international business hub.
