Hong Kong book fair attracts record high of over 580 exhibitors

A record high of more than 580 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions took part in the 26th Hong Kong Book Fair which opened here on Wednesday.

This year's book fair is held under the theme of "Reading the World - Love at First Book". Around 350 events will take place during the fair period, including seven seminar series featuring participation from several high-profile authors and speakers.

The book fair's Author of the Year is Leo Ou-fan Lee. Lee was born in Henan Province, central China, and is a commentator, columnist and writer whose popular works include Shanghai Modern: The Flowering of a New Urban Culture in China, 1930-1945.

The art gallery during the fair features an exhibition on Author of the Year in three sections: Man of Letters; Scholar; and Amateur. Three seminars will focus on Lee and his works over the years.

The Hong Kong Book Fair is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, held annually at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, selling and exhibiting books, printed matter, stationery, printing, compact discs and other multimedia publishing.

During the past 26 years, the fair has developed from a mere promotion platform for the industry to an annual major reading and cultural event for the public of Hong Kong. Endi