Wang Yuanyuan

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    ABOUT 560 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions are expected to participate in this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair, which will be held Wednesday through July 23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

    The number of exhibitors is an increase of about 5 percent from last year’s fair.

    Fair organizers said books from countries including Greece, Brunei and South Africa will be exhibited in Hong Kong for the first time.

    More than 400 reading and cultural activities will be held, as well, featuring seven themes: well-known authors, English reading and writing, reading as a window to the world, children’s reading, movies and literature, tourism culture and local cultural history. The event will provide a platform for authors to share their views and interact with readers.

    More than 20 exhibitors will launch digital book platforms at the fair so readers can not only read e-books but also preview popular magazines from 32 countries and regions online.

    Several popular Chinese authors will attend the fair, including Wang Anyi, Liang Xiaosheng, Wu Jiaxiang and Anyiru from the mainland; Xi Murong, Wang Chang-cung and Lin Jun-ying from Taiwan; and Leo Lee and Lam Chin-chown from Hong Kong.

    Significantly, the writers and directors of “The Grandmaster,” Zhang Dachun and Karwai Wong, will give a lecture to readers and talk about their relationship and cooperation in creating the popular movie. Xi, who grew up in Hong Kong, also will share her opinions and thoughts about writing and Hong Kong culture.

    The fair also will set up special zones for Author of the Year, Chan Koon-chung, Westley (Ni Kuang) and Mo Yan.

    More than 1 million visitors are expected to visit the fair.

    Tickets for the fair began selling online June 26. More information can be found at hkbookfair.hktdc.com.