34th Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 17 July
· *Book Fair* runs alongside *HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo* and *HKTDC Hong Kong World of Snacks* from 17 to 23 July at the HKCEC
· Some 760 exhibitors are featured. With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks
· The theme of this year's *Book Fair* is *Film and Television Literature* hosting more than 600 seminars and cultural activities featuring renowned writers and celebrities, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange
· *Sports and Leisure Expo* will feature an installation to cheer on Hong Kong’s athletes at the Paris Olympics, while the *World of Snacks* offers more than 1,200 different snacks
*HONG KONG, June 25, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - *The *34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair*, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 17 to 23 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running concurrently with the *HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo* and* HKTDC World of Snacks*. With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks, with some 760 exhibitors across the three fairs. This year's Book Fair will stage more than 600 cultural events onsite and off-site, including acclaimed writers’ seminars and book launches to help promote a stronger reading culture in Hong Kong.
*Sophia Chong*, *Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC*, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel voted *Film and Television Literature* as the theme of the year. With the tagline *Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen,* we aim to leverage this popular theme to encourage more locals and tourists to discover the joys of reading and appreciate the charm of Hong Kong's literary, film and television works, help shaping Hong Kong into an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. The Book Fair runs concurrently with the *Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo* and the* World of Snacks*, and together these three major events will create summer fun for people of all ages and reinforce the concept that ‘Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong’.”
*Art Gallery exhibits take visitors from page to screen*
The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's *Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency* to support featured activities, including the *Art Gallery*, *World of Art & Culture*, the *International Publishing Forum* and the debut of *IP* *Roundtable*.
The popular *Art Gallery* will be exhibiting a wide range of works from the *featured writers of the year, *including *Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei, *and* Law Kar, *highlighting their publications, manuscripts, awards, and movie props*. *Most of them will also attend the Book Fair in person to engage with visitors both inside and outside the event. The Art Gallery has two other exhibition areas, namely *Featured Directors *and* Classic Literary Adaptations. *The former showcases selected works by directors such as *Wong Kar-wai*, *Ho Cheuk-tin*, *Nick Cheuk*, *Tsui Hark*, *Ann Hui* and *Stanley Kwan*; while the latter highlights original novels by writers like *Yi Shu*, *Lilian Lee,* *Jin Yong,* *Ni Kuang* and *Eileen Chang*, along with selected clips, posters, e-books and theme songs from respective film adaptations.
*World of Art & Culture opens door to different cultures*
To guide readers in exploring the world through Hong Kong, the Book Fair has set up the *World of Art & Culture*, promoting cultural exchange through displaying exhibits from across the globe. In addition to creations from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the zone will also feature film and television literature from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain and Switzerland, Vietnam and more. Echoing this year’s fair theme, the *World of Art & Culture* features an AI-powered interactive installation. Visitors can select keywords to recompose iconic scenes from global films and TV shows, including In the Mood for Love, Infernal Affairs, Kung Fu Hustle, Blade Runner and Spirited Away. Additionally, an interactive map will display filming locations and behind-the-scenes details.
As the East-meets-West centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to promote international cultural exchange, particularly relating to traditional Chinese culture. This year, the Book Fair will feature a *Mainland China Publishers Zone* with Beijing as the thematic city, demonstrating the cultural allure of the nation's capital. The Book Fair will also host an *IP Roundtable* for the first time on the second day (18 July), inviting representatives from the international publishing and copyright industries to discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI is bringing to IP and copyright commercialisation.
*Eight Seminar Series invites literary giants to host seminars*
The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including *Theme of the Year*, *Renowned Writers*,* English and International Reading*, *World of Knowledge*, *Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle* and *Personal Development and Spiritual Growth*. One seminar has invited *Yuyi*, the author of the original novel City of Darkness, which was adapted into the hit movie “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, to share his creative journey and the process of adapting the story into comics and a film, as well as the challenges he encountered along the way.
The *Renowned Writers Seminar Series,* co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will invite heavyweight Chinese-language writers from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to speak at the fair. The lineup includes *Su Tong*, a pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction; *Jin Yucheng*, who won the Lu Xun Literary Award for his novel Blossoms Shanghai; and *Ban Yu*, one of the three trailblazers of the Dongbei renaissance.
This year, the *English and International Reading Seminar Series *fully reflects Hong Kong's internationality. The global authors sharing at the event include British scholar *Christopher Cowell*, who explores the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history; renowned Czech illustrator and animation director *Galina Miklínová*; Korean writer *Mirinae Lee*, who has been shortlisted for a women's fiction award and more; and Thai author *Narisapongse Rakwattananont*, recipient of the Southeast Asian Literature Award. Speakers at other seminars include business management expert, writer and poet *Feng Tang*; aerospace expert *Lui Kin-Chuen*; and local lyricist scholar *Chu Yiu-wai*. The *Story Sharing by Celebrities* session will feature singer *Serrini*, CUHK Medical School Associate Dean *Dr Teoh Yuen-chun*, renowned pianist *Lee Ka-ling*, and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director *Tung Pui-chuen*. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit:
https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html
*Sports and Leisure Expo gets into the Olympic spirit*
The *Sports and Leisure Expo *will highlight a mosaic wall set up by the* Hong Kong Sports *Institute (Booth 5C-C02) where visitors can become part of the photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics. There will also be sharing sessions by renowned athletes, featuring the captain of the Hong Kong Men’s Dodgeball Team, *Luen Tsz-yu*; Hong Kong Men's Rugby Sevens representative* Yiu Kam-shing*; and former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative *Tong Cheuk-pan*, among others. The athletes will share their experiences and journeys as sportsmen, inspiring visitors with their stories of dedication and achievement.
The *Sports and Leisure Expo *will also present a diverse array of health-promoting and entertaining sports and leisure products and experiences, enabling visitors of all ages to enjoy the fun of sports. The *Hong Kong Playground Association *(Booth 5C-D02) is again displaying its always-popular mobile rope nets along with a new parent-child zipline experience in the *Sports Hub* zone. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.
The perennially popular *Japan Pavilion *will expand further this year to reach its largest scale since the pandemic. The *Japan National Tourism Organization* (JNTO) (Booth 5B-D02) will team up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with *Hokkaido Prefecture *(Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information, setting up virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The *Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone *will also showcase the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. The* World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai *(Booth 5B-E11) will also participate, introducing the expo theme, *Designing Future Society for Our Lives*, to visitors.
*A feast for the tastebuds at World of Snacks *
This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones, *Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time* and *Snack Bar*, presenting a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from around the world. Making its debut at the event, Nestlé *(*Booth 5B-B02) will launch new ice cream flavours and offer special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or the Sports and Leisure Expo.
*Cultural July connects different sectors to promote city-wide love of literature*
In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC has actively collaborated with various partners, including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, publishers and educational, cultural and arts institutions, to organise a series of* Cultural July* activities. From 24 June to 31 July, Cultural July will feature a diverse range of events, including author sharing sessions, storytelling theatre, film-related activities, exhibitions, handicraft workshops and cultural sharing sessions, all aimed at fostering a city-wide love of reading.
Tickets for the *Hong Kong Book Fair*, *Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo* and *World of Snacks* can be purchased through e-payment sponsor *BoC Pay*, other ticketing partners including* Alipay HK*,* Alipay*, *01 Space and* *Octopus*, or at *convenience* *stores *around Hong Kong. A single ticket will grant access to all three events. Tickets will be available for sale on different platforms starting from tomorrow (26 June). This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Those who enter the venue through the admission gates before 12pm and pay with their Octopus card will enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10.
*Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks*
Date
17-23 July 2024 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
Opening hours
*Hong Kong Book Fair*
17-22 July – 10am to 10pm
23 July – 9am to 5pm
*Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks*
17-18 July – 10am to 9pm
19-20 July – 10am to 10pm
21-22 July – 10am to 9pm
23 July – 9am to 5pm
Venue
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission
Adult: HK$30
Child: HK$10 (for primary school students/children under 1.2m tall)
*Children aged 3 and under and adults aged 65 and over will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets
E-tickets will be available for sale via the e-payment sponsor, the *BoC Pay*; and other ticketing partners,* Alipay HK*,* Alipay*, *01 Space* and*Octopus*.
Tickets will be available for sale at all 7-Eleven and Circle K stores and most of the ticketing platforms from 26 June.
Concessionary tickets
Morning admission tickets (entry before noon, same price for adults and children): HK$10 (pay directly by Octopus for admission at the hall entrances only)
Special re-entry promotion: Visitors who purchase a regular adult ticket (HK$30) or child ticket (HK$10) dated 17 or 18 July can enjoy free admission once in each of the following time slots by presenting the whole stub attached to the admission ticket or re-entry coupon distributed onsite:
1) 19-21 July (Friday to Sunday) after 7pm
2) 22 July (Monday) after 7pm
Note: this offer is not applicable to other types of admission tickets (including morning admission tickets, concessionary tickets, VIP tickets and complimentary tickets)
Super Pass: HK$88
Passholders have unlimited entry to the Book Fair and can use the special access channel to minimise queuing time.
Hong Kong Book Fair website and mobile app
www.hkbookfair.com
hkbookfair.hktdc.com/HKBookfairApp.html
(Check out the details of the book fair and register for the seminar)
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo website
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hksportsleisureexpo/en
World of Snacks website
https://www.hktdc.com/event/worldofsnacks/en
*Photo download:* https://bit.ly/3zaNp7m
*Sophia Chong*, *Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC*, said: “The theme voted by the Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel for this year is *Film and Television Literature*, with the tagline *Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen*. Our aim is to leverage this popular theme to encourage more locals and tourists, allowing them to discover the joys of reading and appreciate the charm of Hong Kong's literary, film and television works.”
Attending the press conference to kick off the 2024 Book Fair are (from left): *Edmund Chan*, Director of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation; *Yau Lop-poon*, Editor-in-Chief of Yazhou Zhoukan; *Sophia Chong*, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC; *Elvin Lee*, Chairman of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation; *Alan Cheung*, Curator of the World of Art & Culture; and *Wong Kwok-shiu*, veteran film critic and director.
In addition to the *featured writers*' exhibition, the Art Gallery also has two other exhibition areas, namely *Featured Directors* and *Classic Literary Adaptations*, allowing visitors to explore the interplay between the written word and movies, and delve deeper into the world of film and television literature.
The Sports and Leisure Expo will feature a tai chi robot that simulates a tai chi master’s moves.
This year, the World of Snacks will feature more than 1,200 different snacks and new ice cream flavours will be launched.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
*Hong Kong Book Fair**, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks*
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: (852) 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung, Tel: (852) 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
*Hong Kong Book Fair*
Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: (852) 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
*Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks*
Jane Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
*About HKTDC*
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on
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