The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, along with the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and the 6th World of Snacks, opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three concurrent events will run through July 21, offering a single-ticket experience that merges reading, sports, and culinary exploration.
Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, officiated at the opening ceremony, while HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma delivered remarks. Ma highlighted the Book Fair's role as a platform for cultural exchange, noting that this year's theme, “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” aims to inspire readers to explore global cultures through literature. He emphasized that the three fairs together attract more than 770 exhibitors, making it a key summer event in Hong Kong.
The Book Fair features eight seminar series, including the Theme of the Year and Renowned Writers series. Speakers include Cheng Po-hung, a museum expert adviser, who will discuss Hong Kong's tourist attractions history; Xu Zidong, a Chinese modern literature scholar; and Cantonese opera star Law Kar-ying. The English and International Reading Seminar Series includes British poet Luke Kennard and Swedish fantasy novelist Kristina Dowling. The HKTDC is also collaborating with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation for the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, featuring authors like Eka Kurniawan and Clarissa Goenawan.
The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, presents “World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart,” showcasing over 200 books and exhibits. Interactive installations recommend books and travel itineraries based on visitor preferences. The Chinese Mainland Publishers zone features about 20,000 publications, with Yunnan as the featured province. The Guangdong Publishing Pavilion includes a “Qiaopi Cultural Zone” on Chaoshan’s emigrant heritage. The Cultural and Creative Space debuts the Fujian delegation with Dehua porcelain and Shoushan stone carvings, while the Hangzhou Pavilion displays traditional craftsmanship.
The Sports and Leisure Expo includes the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s 35th-anniversary exhibition, showcasing Hong Kong athletes' achievements. Now TV will broadcast major sporting events on large screens. The Travel & Tourism zone welcomes Turkiye and Korea for the first time, with cultural showcases and activities. Athlete sharing sessions feature former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau, while the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness will hold a preview performance.
The World of Snacks presents over 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries across six themed zones. Exhibitors include The Nutter Company with handmade nut butter ice cream, Azure Asia with additive-free snacks, and TimeTo Gold with traditional pastries crafted by senior women. Interactive activities include a black sesame roll making demonstration and a Junior Sommelier Workshop.
The fairs are open daily from 10am to 10pm (closing at 5pm on July 21). Admission is HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with concessions for seniors and children under 3. Morning admission tickets (HK$10) allow entry before noon. A Super Pass (HK$88) offers unlimited entry. Tourists can purchase concession tickets for HK$20 with valid travel documents. More details are available on the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo website and the World of Snacks website.
