The 2024 South China Book Festival and Yangcheng Book Fair are set to be held from August 16 to 20, taking place at the China Import and Export Fair Complex's Area B, as well as various satellite venues and online platforms.

The festival is open to the public with free entry, featuring interactive and immersive reading experiences, face-to-face events with award-winning cultural figures, applications of the latest technologies, cultural exchange with the guest province and countries, and up to 40% discounts on numerous books and cultural products. Over 70 distinguished publishing institutions will showcase an array of publications and cultural products, exceeding 300,000 items.

Poster of the 2024 South China Book Festival and Yangcheng Book Fair

Yangcheng Book Fair's "Flower City Study"

Embracing the slogan "Book a Trip to the World," the book fair aims to establish a public cultural salon, creating a 9,000 square meter "Flower City Study" in Area B Hall 13.2. This space will provide a multi-dimensional cultural life experience.

Visitors can enjoy live calligraphy sessions by renowned artists, participate in unique stamp collection activities, and witness automated performances by Pearl River pianos and robot guzheng players from GAC.

The fair will incorporate AI and VR technologies, smart newspaper kiosks, and community self-service book cabinets to offer immersive and interactive experiences.

The book fair will also present an exhibition of writers' manuscripts, photographs, and personal items. This unique exhibition will offer insights into the stories behind the creation of their works.

A corner of Yangcheng Book Fair (Photo: South China Book Festival)

Face-to-face with cultural figures

The 2015 Hugo Award winner, Liu Cixin, and over 180 cultural figures, including writers, academic professors, social celebrities, and cultural broadcasters, will participate in around 230 cultural activities. These activities will be spread across various platforms, with 74 key live broadcasts on social media platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu. The events will include signing sessions, meet-and-greets, and author interviews.

Cultural exchange with the guest province and countries

In collaboration with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Books and Periodicals Distribution Association, the Xinjiang Pavilion (Hall 11.2) will showcase 1,322 types of books reflecting the diverse culture and scenery of Xinjiang.

Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the France Pavilion (Hall 11.2) will introduce over 100 French books across various genres, celebrating the innovative spirit and intellectual essence of French culture. This pavilion will also host a variety of cultural exchange activities, including a "Bonjour! GBA" sharing session organized by GDToday and immersive experiences of the French lifestyle through food, wine, and architecture.

The Selangor International Book Fair will also participate in the festival for the signing ceremony and in-depth cultural exchanges.

Technology-empowered reading experience

The festival will highlight the integration of technology in reading services, showcasing the latest in digital publishing with the participation of platforms like WeChat Read, Shuqi Novels, NetEase Youdao, etc. Interactive zones such as the audiobook area, tech brainstorming area, and activity check-in areas will be featured, along with smart hardware products catering to various learning scenarios.

Also, for the first time, the festival will include e-sports and art toys, combined with Chinese anime IPs, popular novels, featured video games, and VR, AR, and 4D dynamic experiences.

Visit information

Date: August 16-20, 2024

Location: China Import and Export Fair Complex Area B, Guangzhou

Metro: Take the Metro Line 8 to the Pazhou station and use Exit A

Scan the QR code to book your free ticket