The 19th Shenzhen Reading Month kicked off recently, offering citizens a total of 769 themed activities in November.

Shenzhen Reading Month was initiated in 2000 and has been successfully held for 18 consecutive years.

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up, this year’s Reading Month aims to highlight the cultural innovation and vitality of Shenzhen as a city of reform and opening up and a city of readers. It also focuses on depicting the city’s development from the perspective of reading.

The key activities during Reading Month are divided into 10 major sections and include 22 innovative activities. Famous writers and scholars, such as Bai Yansong, Zhou Guoping and Xue Zhaofeng, have also been invited to share their writing and reading experiences.

Reading Month will adhere to the mission of inheriting and carrying forward China’s excellent traditional culture. There are seven major activities in the section, themed “Promote Traditions,” a significant increase compared to last year.

Other highlights include a letter-themed cultural festival, the “Internet +” section promoting digital reading, an online platform for assessing children’s reading ability and the release of an annual digital reading report.

This year’s Reading Month will also provide readers with activities specifically designed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation regarding reading resources in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Following last year’s selection of the best small bookstore, the city’s best small libraries will be selected this year, in a bid to encourage grass-roots libraries to beautify their reading spaces and optimize reading services to provide both sensory and spiritual enjoyment for readers.

Main events in Futian:

Book exchange

This event provides a platform for readers to exchange books, showcase their favorite books and exchange knowledge with other readers.

Time: 2:30 p.m., Nov. 11

Venue: Huaqiang Square, Huaqiangbei, Futian District (福田区华强北华强广场)

Metro: Line 1 to Huaqiang Road Station (华强路站), Exit A

Calligraphy

Attendees try their hand at writing calligraphy and making traditional handicrafts.

Time: Nov. 25

Venue: Lianhua Village 1 Square, Futian District (福田区莲花一村广场)

Metro: Line 3 to Lianhua Village Station (莲花村站), Exit C

Reading contest

Featuring parent-child interaction, the reading contest excites families' passion for reading by holding family performances based on books they've read together.

Time: Nov. 18

Venue: T-Park, 2001 Binhe Boulevard, Futian District (福田区滨河大道2001号深港影视创意园)

Metro: Line 9 to Ludan Village Station (鹿丹村站), Exit A1

Stage play

A stage play that tells a story about a library will be performed. Residents can also learn about acting from professionals and tell their own library stories.

Time: 3 p.m., Nov. 24

Venue: Xiangmi Park, 30 Nonglin Road, Futian District (福田区农林路30号香蜜公园)

Metro: Line 7 to Nonglin Station (农林站), Exit C

Lectures

Young elites will retell experiences from their youth, life and growth, and scholars will give introductions to their recommended reading lists.

Time: Until Nov. 30

Venue: Tian’an Cultural Square, Shatou Subdistrict, Futian District (福田区沙头街道天安文化广场)

Metro: Line 7 to Shangsha Station (上沙站), Exit E(SD News)