The 15th National Book Fair is opened in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2005. Thirty-five exhibitors took part in the 11-day book fair, in which a total of 140,000 kinds of books are on sale. (Xinhua photo)
 

 (Xinhua photo) 

The 15th National Book Fair was held in north China's Tianjin Municipality Wednesday with the number of booths reaching 1,225, the largest-ever book fair held in China's mainland, according to the organizing committee of the fair.

Almost all the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalitieshave sent delegations to the fair, which also drew a large number of publishing houses from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, the source said.

The fair will mainly display State-awarded publications, and 60percent of the books on display will be those key books published in the past two years.

Ambassadors and cultural counselors from over 20 countries havebeen invited to attend the book fair during which a large number of forums, lectures and exchanges will be also held. 

Editor: Yan