Shanghai Book Fair set for record attendance

The 2023 Shanghai Book Fair, which returned to the Shanghai Exhibition Center on Wednesday, is expected to attract a record number of attendees both online and offline, according to its organizer.

Avid readers and book collectors have so far thronged the book fair, which will last through Aug 22.

Adding to the buzz is livestreaming, a practice used during the pandemic years to extend the event's reach, taking place at almost every booth to reach audiences who can't make it to the venue in person.

"What is sure about this year's book fair is more exhibitors, more books, more events and more visitors," said Cai Jianfeng, who has led China Publishing Group's exhibition at the book fair in recent years. As a major exhibitor, China Publishing Group will present more than 5,000 new titles from its 23 member publishers.

An annual event since 2004, the Shanghai Book Fair has become a celebration of literature, fostering a sense of community among publishers, authors and readers alike.

The past three editions were mostly held online because of pandemic restrictions.

This year's event, which features a 40 percent increase in the exhibition area, is set to regain its pre-pandemic attendance of more than 400,000 visitors, similar to the turnout in 2019, according to the event's organizer. Cai's estimates are even more optimistic, expecting 80,000 to 100,000 visitors daily.

More than 850 reading events, which is more than double that in the previous year and includes various entertainment and cultural activities, have been curated to meet the needs of consumers and celebrate the allure of physical bookstores.

International Literary Week, for instance, a significant component of the fair, will feature panel talks and discussions on international publishing affairs. Themed "Community of Narratives", this event aims to transcend the confines of traditional books and delve into broader storytelling.

Over 30 guests from home and abroad, including renowned authors such as Australian writer Richard Flanagan, winner of the prestigious 2014 Booker Prize, and Angolan novelist Jose Eduardo Agualusa, have been invited to share their stories.

According to the organizer, the fair aims to elevate its brand influence through book sales, reading activities and the activities held in subvenues that will foster a reading culture. The goal is to create an immersive "city of books" atmosphere and encourage widespread reading.

Jia Liwei, the curator of the children's book section of Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore that has participated in the annual event since its inception, said over the years it has become a much sought-after space and platform for book purchases.

Mao Lexian, a Shanghai native in his 50s, arrived early for the book fair on Wednesday.

"The Shanghai Book Fair has always been the best place to find books of choice at a bargain price," Mao said, adding that he favors foreign language publications, especially imported books.

"It has always been a worthwhile visit," he said.

In recent years, digital technology such as livestreaming has allowed the book fair to expand its influence.

Cai Yin is an editor from East China University of Science and Technology Press, which publishes a great number of study and teaching reference books for school-age children. The publishing house started its livestreaming service in 2019, Cai said.

"We've come to know that many parents want to come to the book fair but can't for various reasons. We want to make up for this with a streaming service.

"We expect our streaming to be even better this year because we don't need to wear a mask anymore, which used to muffle our broadcast from time to time during the pandemic years."