The 30th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from July 17th to 23rd at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Over 680 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions will gather at the fair, presenting books and hosting activities.

The 29th Hong Kong Book Fair held last year. [Photo provided to newsgd.com]

According to Sophia Chong, assistant executive director of HKTDC, over the past few years, the event has attracted a large number of readers from home and abroad.

The theme of the year: Sci-Fi and Mystery

Sci-Fi and Mystery is the theme for this year's fair, encouraging the public to discover more about leading sci-fi and mystery authors and their works as well as cultivating people's interest in the genre.

To tie in with the theme, a zone called A Literary Journey Across Boundless Dimensions will introduce Hong Kong authors like To Jim, Ni Kuang and Eddy Lee. The ‘Theme of the year: Sci-Fi and Mystery’ seminar series will invite some of field's leading authors to share their creative stories and ideas with readers.

Moreover a series of seminars will be a highlight of the fair; featuring influential authors from all over the world. Chinese authors Yan Lianke, Mai Jia and Bai Yansong, and international authors like Swedish author Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin, bestselling Canadian author Steven Erikson, French author Bernard Werber and Japanese novelist Kanae Minato will all speak on various topics ranging from ageing populations to the arts and cinema.

Learning about different cultures

The 29th Hong Kong Book Fair held last year. [Photo provided to newsgd.com]

According to the event organizer, an international cultural zone which includes an EU pavilion and a total of 33 countries and regions providing different kinds of cultural activities for visitors.

Furthermore, as the fair is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, there will be a zone named 30 Years of Literary Delights exhibiting treasured photos from the archives, memorabilia from the Art Gallery and stamps and souvenir covers related to the fair.

Light and Shadow -- The Finest Cantonese Artistry will also be on show. Lingnan cultural treasures will include paintings, Canton porcelain and a series of photographs of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao taken by renowned photographers.

Notice for admission

Morning Admission Ticket (entry before 12:00 noon): HK$10 (available for sale at the fairground only each day)

Adult Ticket: HK$25

Child Ticket: HK$10 (for children under 1.22m tall/ primary school students)

Children under 3 and over 65's will be admitted free of charge

Visitors to Hong Kong can purchase a $10 concession ticket at the fairground's ticketing counters by presenting valid travel documents.

Tickets are available now at all Hong Kong Ticketing booths, all 7-Eleven stores and designated Circle K stores. E-tickets are available via the AlipayHK app.

The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo will be held concurrently with the Book Fair. Hong Kong Book Fair ticket holders can visit both fairs on the same day.

For more details, click http://www.hkbookfair.com

Reported by Will, Pu Enling

Edited by Simon, Olivia