The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo, and the 6th World of Snacks officially opened on July 15, running concurrently until July 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three events share a single ticket, allowing visitors to explore a diverse range of activities from literary seminars to sports demonstrations and global snack tastings. This integrated approach underscores the HKTDC's strategy to create a synergistic summer event that appeals to both residents and tourists, bolstering Hong Kong's position as a vibrant cultural and leisure destination.
The opening ceremony featured Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, who delivered the opening address, and HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma, who welcomed attendees. Professor Ma emphasized the Book Fair's role as a platform for cultural exchange, stating: "The Hong Kong Book Fair is not only one of Asia's most influential cultural events, but also an important platform that connects different cultures and promotes mutual learning and exchange." He noted that this year's theme, "Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys," aims to inspire readers to explore global cultures through literature.
The Book Fair features eight themed seminar series, including the Theme of the Year and Renowned Writers series, with prominent speakers such as Cantonese opera star Law Kar-ying, Chinese avant-garde fiction author Su Tong, and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Liu Heung Shing. The English and International Reading Seminar Series includes British poet Luke Kennard and Swedish fantasy novelist Kristina Dowling, along with the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival co-organized with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, featuring Indonesian novelist Eka Kurniawan and Singaporean author Clarissa Goenawan. The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, showcases over 200 books and exhibits under the theme "World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart," with interactive installations recommending travel itineraries based on reading preferences.
Meanwhile, the Sports and Leisure Expo offers diverse experiences, including the Hong Kong Sports Institute's 35th-anniversary exhibition displaying medals from past Asian Games and interactive fitness challenges. Now TV will broadcast major sporting events on large screens. The Travel & Tourism zone debuts attractions from Turkiye and Korea, alongside a larger Thailand pavilion offering authentic Thai massages. Athlete sharing sessions feature former basketball player Leung Chun-hung and rope skipping champion Wong Tin-yau, while the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness will hold a preview performance.
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 homemade nut butter ice cream, Azure Asia offering additive-free snacks, and TimeTo Gold, an award-winning social enterprise employing senior women to craft traditional pastries. Interactive activities such as black sesame roll demonstrations and a Junior Sommelier Workshop add to the experience.
Admission is HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with concessions for tourists, persons with disabilities, and early morning visitors. A special re-entry promotion allows visitors who purchase tickets for July 15 or 16 to enter free after 7pm on subsequent days. The events collectively attract over 770 exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong's summer event calendar and providing a platform for cultural, recreational, and culinary exploration. For more details, visit the Hong Kong Book Fair website at www.hkbookfair.com/en and the Sports and Leisure Expo site at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hksportsleisureexpo/en.
