The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo, and the 6th World of Snacks opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running concurrently for seven days through July 21. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the three events offer the public and tourists a single-ticket experience that combines reading, sports and leisure, and global snacks.
Acting Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing officiated the opening ceremony, while HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma delivered welcome remarks. Ma noted the Book Fair is one of Asia's most influential cultural events and an important platform for cultural exchange. This year's theme, 'Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,' aims to inspire readers to explore global history, culture, and lifestyles through reading. Authors, scholars, and cultural figures from around the world are gathering in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city's role as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
The Book Fair features eight seminar series, including the Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, and English and International Reading. Notable speakers include Cheng Po-hung, Museum Expert Adviser of the Hong Kong Museum of History, discussing Hong Kong's tourist attractions history; Su Tong, a leading figure of Chinese avant-garde fiction; and Liu Zhenyun, whose work was named among Yazhou Zhoukan's top 10 Chinese novels. The English and International Reading Seminar Series includes British poet Luke Kennard and Swedish novelist Kristina Dowling, as well as the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival co-organized with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, featuring Eka Kurniawan and Clarissa Goenawan.
The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, showcases 'World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart,' featuring over 200 books and exhibits from around the world. Interactive installations recommend books and Hong Kong travel itineraries based on visitors' preferences. The Chinese Mainland Publishers zone presents around 20,000 publications, with Yunnan as the featured province, showcasing its ethnic cultures and tourism resources. The Guangdong Publishing Pavilion includes a 'Qiaopi Cultural Zone' on Chaoshan's emigrant heritage.
The Sports and Leisure Expo features the Hong Kong Sports Institute's 35th-anniversary exhibition, showcasing medals from past Asian Games and an interactive fitness challenge. Now TV broadcasts major sporting events on multiple screens. New this year, the Travel & Tourism zone includes Turkiye and Korea, highlighting their cultures and arts, while Thailand returns with a larger presence. Athlete sharing sessions include former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and freestyle rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau.
The World of Snacks brings together over 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries and regions across six themed zones. Exhibitors include The Nutter Company with locally handmade nut butter ice cream, and TimeTo Gold, an award-winning social enterprise featuring traditional pastries made by senior women. Interactive activities include black sesame roll making and a Junior Sommelier Workshop.
Admission is HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with special re-entry promotions and a Super Pass for unlimited entry. Tickets are available via e-ticketing partners and at convenience stores. The events run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on the final day. More information is available on the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo website and the World of Snacks website.
