The 34th Hong Kong Book Fair kicked off on Wednesday with Beijing as the thematic city for the first time.
At the launch ceremony for Beijing theme city promotion activities, a Beijing Opera performance showcased the charm of the traditional art form and the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
Twelve Beijing-based cultural organizations are participating in the exhibition. About 3,000 books are displayed across various fields, including literature, social sciences, technology, children's books, and art.
Many of the books are national and provincial awards winners, which together provide a comprehensive view of Beijing's history, culture, and current development. These books offer Hong Kong readers a window into the charm of Beijing, said Wang Heling, general manager of a branch company of Beijing Publishing Group.
Over 100 cultural creative products with Beijing characteristics are showcased. In addition, visitors to the fair can check out ancient book restoration techniques, which are listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Since the fair began, visitors have purchased numerous books about Beijing and traditional Chinese culture, with some reminiscing about their experiences in Beijing.
Besides, various cultural activities have drawn wide attention from Hong Kong readers. A book featuring calligraphy works by youths from Hong Kong and Beijing was released on Wednesday. On Thursday, activities commemorating the 130th anniversary of Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang's birth were held. On Friday, two notable female writes will discuss the literary characteristics of Beijing and Hong Kong and share their experiences in creating female literature.
The book fair will run until July 23.