The weeklong fair, opened yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, has more than 500 exhibitors, and close to a million visitors are expected.

More than 300 speakers will be featured.

Pai, 75, is one of few Chinese writers to touch on homosexuality, and his novels such as “Taipei People” and “Crystal Boys” have been adapted into television dramas and movies.

Wen, 58, is popular in Hong Kong as his novels “Face to Fate,” “The Four” and “Strike at Heart” have not only become popular soap operas but also online video games.

Many other heavyweights are among the speakers, said Hong Kong Trade Development Council deputy executive director Benjamin Chau Kai-leung.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the 23rd edition of the fair is held between July 18 and 24.

Along with a huge selection of books, magazines and other publications, this year’s fair features more than 300 cultural programs under the theme of “Reading the World — We Read Therefore We Know.” A host of forums and seminars led by celebrated authors from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Britain and the United States will appear.

The organizers say there should be a “record exhibitor participation” — more than 530 exhibitors from 23 countries with their books on display — and about 350 events being held under the fair banner.

“An Introduction to Hong Kong English Authors” spotlights authors living in Hong Kong, including Justin Hill, Anita Moorjani, Nicholas Wong and Xu Xi, who also offer creative writing workshops.

The “Renowned Writers Seminar Series” features 17 writers from across the world. On top of all this, there’s internet reading sessions, art exhibitions and plenty of activities for kids.

India’s Chetan Bhagat, author of five novels (the film “3 Idiots” was based on his novel “Five Point Someone”) and former Hong Kong resident, will talk at the fair, exploring his “unusual career path, from a banker in Central to now a writer in India.”

Children’s author, Holly Webb, is flying in from Britain to also take part in public sessions.

An e-book area is among attractions, and computer facilities help visitors with choices.

More than 110 books and magazines have gone online, and smart phone users can download an application that allows them to view content before buying.

(SD-Agencies)