Readers, Publishers, and Millions of Books at This Year's Beijing International Book Fair, Aug 21-25
It's rare that we say this, but put that book down! Today (Aug 21) marks the launch of the 26th Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), gathering some 2,500 exhibitors from 95 countries at the New China International Exhibition Center in Shunyi.
Running until Aug 25, publishers flock to the BIBF from all over the world to buy and sell publishing and translation rights. It's also a great opportunity for individual bookworms to leaf through the gorgeously designed books, enrich their to-read list, and purchase those books on sale.
Founded in 1986, BIBF is not only Beijing's but also the world's second-largest international book trade fair. Exhibitors include publishers, educational institutions, distributors, online retailers, and literary agencies and the fair covers literally every aspect of the publishing industry with an impressive book selection that numbers in the millions as well as periodicals, newspapers, comics, and prints.
The organizers expect this year's event to be the biggest yet and are estimating to welcome 300,000 visitors over its five days, thanks to highlights that include an additional 80 foreign publishers and a separate exhibition area for younger readers. Winners of the fair's two major awards programs – the 13th Special Book Award for international writers and translators of Chinese work, and the BIBF Ananas International Illustrations Award – will also be announced.
We recommend visiting toward the end of the week as we've heard that publishers are most likely to offer cut-price deals on books so as to avoid lugging them back home.
This year's Beijing International Book Fair takes place 9am-5.30pm, Aug 21-25 at the New China International Exhibition Center in Shunyi. Tickets can be bought on the door for RMB 20 (single day) or RMB 160 (five-day pass).
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