Li Hao

    SHENZHEN officials have never stopped pursuing innovative ways to encourage residents to read, said Hu Hongxia, editor-in-chief of the Daily Sunshine.

    A devoted fan of the written word, Hu has written and collected many books in addition to his newspaper gig. He praised Shenzhen for nurturing literacy.

    “The city has been persistent in its endeavors to foster a reading atmosphere among residents by planning and holding various reading activities. A cultural brand and annual event in the city, Reading Month, has been held for more than 10 years,” Hu said. “Also, the city has started holding various activities to mark each year’s World Book and Copyright Day on April 23.”

    The city held 116 activities under the theme “Make Reading a Lifestyle” to mark this year’s World Book and Copyright Day. Activities included exhibitions, lectures, speeches and more, in residential communities, schools and factories.

    “In addition, lectures on various topics and speeches by famous cultural scholars are held regularly in the city, giving residents free and easy access to knowledge and reading,” Hu said. “These activities have given rise to a sound reading atmosphere in the city, which is envied by many of the intelligentsia in other domestic cities.”

    Hu’s newspaper regularly invites celebrities in various fields to give free speeches to local residents.

    Hu said the city’s annual selection of the top 10 books has not only improved the profile of outstanding books but also pushed up their sales.    

    While giving remarks in recognition of the city’s efforts to encourage reading, Hu also gave innovative suggestions.

    “Shenzhen should spare no efforts to encourage the establishment of reading organizations. There are some reading clubs in the city, but the number is too small for a modern city like Shenzhen,” Hu said. “The city government could further simplify the application procedure for reading organizations.”

    Hu said reading organizations allow people with different interests to communicate with each other and encourage shared reading.

    Hu also believe Shenzhen should have more small bookstores with special characteristics “These small bookstores can be located in quiet places far from hustling and bustling commercial areas, and can gather people sharing the same reading interests.”

    There are many such small bookstores in Guangzhou and Shanghai, such as Fangsuo Commune in Guangzhou. The bookstore sells books on design, fine arts and architecture, which are not easily found in large domestic book centers. Meanwhile, the bookstore holds exhibitions of design works and cultural lectures, according to Hu.

    Hu said the city government could provide support such as tax preferences to new small bookstores.