The first ULAND Greater Bay Area Reading Carnival officially opened on April 26 at the ULAND Cultural and Arts District in Dongguan's Songshan Lake, featuring a diverse array of activities aimed at promoting reading and cultural exchange.
The eight-day event combines cultural and commercial elements, creating an immersive environment that celebrates literature and the arts while engaging with the local community.
The carnival commenced with a performance by a saxophone quartet on the bank of the picturesque Songshan Lake. Throughout the event, a series of activities—including classical readings, ancient music performances, and author sharing sessions—are scheduled, catering to audiences of all ages and fostering a dynamic cultural atmosphere.
Over a hundred publishers, including Guangdong People's Publishing House and Tian Tian Publishing House, have gathered for the "Book Carnival," showcasing thousands of titles across genres such as economics, literature, history, technology, and art. The event has attracted numerous book enthusiasts, expanding the horizons of reading within the community.
Notable authors participated in reader engagement sessions at the Dongguan Zhongshuge Bookstore. Hugo Award-winner Hai Ya introduced his debut collection of sci-fi short stories, discussing his creative journey under the theme "Art Across Time and Space." Additionally, acclaimed author Guan Jiaqi, known as the "Queen of Fairy Tales," shared insights on her creative process and reflections into Chinese culture through literature.
The carnival also featured a Classic Reading Competition, where students from local schools, including Songshan Lake Yiming Kindergarten and Songshan Lake Experimental Primary School, showcased their talents by reciting classic literary works, bridging generations through the power of words.
The Songshan Lake Library hosted a creative market featuring handmade crafts and intangible cultural heritage products in collaboration with Dongguan University of Technology and Dongguan Polytechnic. Interactive sessions with characters like "Little Black Fish" and "Striped Sheep" engaged children and families, enhancing the carnival experience.
Focusing on sustainability, the event introduced three themed practice spaces: "Knowledge Exchange Station," "Zero Carbon Craft Workshop," and "Resource Reuse Marketplace," promoting eco-friendly practices through book exchanges and hands-on activities.
Reporter | Xie Maishi, Lin Yijun
Photo | Lin Yijun
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
