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 from 15 to 21 July. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three events are accessible with a single ticket, offering residents and tourists a summer experience that combines reading, sports, and global snacks.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, highlighted the significance of the Book Fair as one of Asia’s most influential cultural events. “This year, the Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel selected ‘Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys’ as the theme of the year,” he said. “Through reading, we hope to inspire readers to set out from Hong Kong to explore the history, culture and way of life of destinations around the world.” He noted that the three fairs together have attracted more than 770 exhibitors, making them a highlight of Hong Kong’s summer events.
The Book Fair features eight themed seminar series, including the Theme of the Year and Renowned Writers series. Notable speakers include Cheng Po-hung, Museum Expert Adviser of the Hong Kong Museum of History, who will discuss Hong Kong’s tourist landmarks, and acclaimed novelist Bi Feiyu, recipient of the Lu Xun Literary Prize. The English and International Reading Seminar Series introduces the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, with authors such as Eka Kurniawan and Clarissa Goenawan. The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, presents “World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart,” showcasing over 200 books and interactive installations.
The Sports and Leisure Expo features the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s 35th anniversary exhibition, displaying medals from past Asian Games and offering a “35-second Fitness Challenge.” Now TV will broadcast major sporting events on large screens. New exhibitors include Turkiye and Korea in the Travel & Tourism zone, while Thailand returns with an expanded presence offering complimentary Thai massages. Athlete sharing sessions feature former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau.
The World of Snacks brings together over 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries, organized into six themed zones. Exhibitors such as The Nutter Company offer locally handmade nut butter ice cream, while TimeTo Gold, a social enterprise, features traditional pastries crafted by senior women. Interactive activities include a black sesame roll making demonstration and a Junior Sommelier Workshop.
The Chinese Mainland Publishers showcase around 20,000 quality publications, with Yunnan as the featured province. The Guangdong Publishing Pavilion includes a “Qiaopi Cultural Zone” highlighting Chaoshan’s emigrant heritage. The Cultural and Creative Space debuts with exhibitors like the Fujian delegation, featuring Dehua porcelain, and the Hangzhou Pavilion with traditional mortise and tenon craftsmanship.
The events underscore Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange, with implications for tourism and local engagement. Tickets are priced at HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with concessions for tourists and persons with disabilities. A Super Pass at HK$88 offers unlimited entry and priority access.
