The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, alongside the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and the 6th World of Snacks, opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running concurrently from 15 to 21 July. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the triple event allows attendees with a single ticket to explore literature, engage in sports activities, and sample snacks from around the globe. The opening ceremony featured Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, and Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, who highlighted the fairs' role in promoting cultural exchange and summer tourism.
The Book Fair, themed "Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys," includes eight seminar series with authors and scholars such as Su Tong, Liu Zhenyun, and Bi Feiyu. The English and International Reading Seminar Series features the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, with speakers like Eka Kurniawan and Clarissa Goenawan. The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, showcases over 200 books and exhibits, offering interactive installations that recommend reading and travel itineraries based on visitors' preferences. More than 35 events, including seminars and workshops, will be held throughout the exhibition.
The Sports and Leisure Expo features the Hong Kong Sports Institute's 35th-anniversary exhibition, showcasing medals from past Asian Games, and interactive fitness challenges. Now TV will broadcast major sporting events on multiple large screens. New this year, Turkiye and Korea join the Travel & Tourism zone, offering cultural experiences such as mosaic lamps and Korean pop culture. Athlete sharing sessions include former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau. The Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness will host a preview performance on 18 July.
The World of Snacks brings together over 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries, organized into six themed zones. Exhibitors include The Nutter Company with locally handmade nut butter ice cream, and TimeTo Gold, an award-winning social enterprise featuring traditional pastries made by senior women. Interactive activities such as black sesame roll making and a Junior Sommelier Workshop are scheduled. For more details, visit the Sports and Leisure Expo website and the World of Snacks website.
The fairs aim to boost summer tourism and cultural engagement, with admission fees starting at HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children. Special re-entry promotions and a Super Pass for unlimited entry are available. The HKTDC, celebrating its 60th anniversary, continues to promote Hong Kong as a global business hub. For further information, visit the HKTDC about page.
