The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo, and the 6th World of Snacks opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running concurrently from July 15 to 21. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three events offer a combined experience of reading, sports, and gastronomy under one ticket, attracting more than 770 exhibitors. The opening ceremony featured Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, and Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, who highlighted the importance of these events in promoting cultural exchange and summer tourism.
Professor Frederick Ma noted that the Hong Kong Book Fair is one of Asia's most influential cultural events, connecting cultures and promoting mutual learning. This year's theme, 'Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,' aims to inspire readers to explore global history, culture, and lifestyles through reading. The fair features eight seminar series, including the Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, and English and International Reading, with speakers such as Cantonese opera star Law Kar-ying, Chinese modern literature scholar Xu Zidong, and acclaimed novelist Bi Feiyu. The English and International Reading Seminar Series includes the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, with authors like Eka Kurniawan and Clarissa Goenawan, promoting cultural exchange between Hong Kong and ASEAN.
The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, presents 'World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart,' featuring over 200 books and exhibits from around the world. Interactive installations recommend books and travel itineraries based on visitors' preferences. Chinese mainland publishers showcase around 20,000 publications, with Yunnan as the featured province, highlighting its ethnic cultures and tourism resources. The Guangdong Publishing Pavilion includes a 'Qiaopi Cultural Zone' on Chaoshan's emigrant heritage. The Cultural and Creative Space debuts exhibitors like the Fujian delegation and Hangzhou Pavilion, showcasing traditional crafts and cultural products.
The Sports and Leisure Expo offers diverse sports experiences, including a themed exhibition by the Hong Kong Sports Institute celebrating its 35th anniversary, displaying medals from past Asian Games. Now TV sets up large screens to broadcast major sporting events. The Travel & Tourism zone welcomes Turkiye and Korea for the first time, featuring mosaic lamps, Turkish sand coffee, and Korean pop culture. Thailand returns with a larger pavilion offering themed travel experiences and complimentary Thai massage sessions. Athlete sharing sessions include former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau, while the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness hosts a preview performance.
The World of Snacks brings together more than 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries and regions across six themed zones. Exhibitors include The Nutter Company with locally handmade nut butter ice cream, and TimeTo Gold, a social enterprise employing senior women to preserve Hong Kong's culinary heritage. Interactive activities include a black sesame roll making demonstration and a Junior Sommelier Workshop.
The combined events underscore Hong Kong's role as a cultural and tourism hub, offering residents and tourists a summer highlight. Tickets are priced at HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with concessions for tourists and persons with disabilities. More information is available at the Sports and Leisure Expo website and the World of Snacks website.
