Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 28th edition of the Hong Kong Book Fair will be held from July 19 to 25 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Under the theme of “Reading the World — People, Places, Passions,” this year’s event attracts about 670 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions and more than 300 cultural activities will be held during the fair period, with the aim to encourage readers to travel around the world and broaden their horizons.

This year’s book fair adopts “Travel” as the theme of the year. Echoing the theme, a dedicated zone “Around the World Through Words” will introduce readers to nine Hong Kong travel writers of different backgrounds.

They include Leung Ping-kwan and Xi Xi (litterateurs), Albert Wong (cruise expert), Rebecca Lee (explorer), Sonia Ng and Jason Wordie (historians), Zhou Yijun (veteran international journalist), Kam Ling (novelist) and Celia Cheng (writer and photographer).

The zone will showcase how their works are derived from the items and photos which were used or collected during their journeys so as to enhance public understanding of their travel works.

During the book fair, Theme of the Year: Travel Seminar Series will be organized, with travel writers telling their own stories and scholars analyzing different travel works.

At the “Beyond the Picture” zone, the organizer is in collaboration with the National Geographic magazine to showcase photos of cultures, landscapes, sceneries and architecture in Hong Kong and worldwide, including award-winning photos so that readers can experience the feelings and passions of photographers through their images.

Apart from travel related zones, this year’s Art Gallery will also feature “A Journey to Sichuan” exhibition. Exhibits will be categorized into four main themes — exploring the ancient Sichuan civilization, understanding famous historical figures, appreciating the works of literary masters and viewing the customs of ancient Sichuan. Interesting performances such as Sichuan “face-changing” operas, tea art performances and ancient string instrument performances will be arranged.

This year’s book fair features eight seminar series. The Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macao has invited French illustrator Cédric Fernandez, African-born French novelist Alain Mabanckou and Hong Kong-based French author Arnaud Lanuque to introduce their works at the World of Knowledge Seminar Series. With support from the British Council, bestselling crime fiction writer Sophie Hannah and travel writers Tim Moore and Sara Wheeler have been invited to speak at the English Reading and Creative Writing Seminar Series.

(SD-Agencies)