The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo, and the 6th World of Snacks all opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running concurrently from July 15 to 21. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the events offer a single ticket for access to reading, sports, and snacks from around the world, aiming to boost summer tourism and cultural engagement.
At the opening ceremony, Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, delivered the opening address, while HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma provided welcome remarks. Ma highlighted the Book Fair's significance as one of Asia's most influential cultural events, connecting cultures and promoting mutual learning. This year's theme, 'Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,' encourages readers to explore global destinations through literature. The three fairs together attract more than 770 exhibitors, offering a rich experience that combines reading, sports, and gastronomy, making it a highlight of Hong Kong's summer events.
The Book Fair features eight themed seminar series, including the Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, and English and International Reading. Notable speakers include Cheng Po-hung, Museum Expert Adviser of the Hong Kong Museum of History, who will discuss Hong Kong's century-long history of tourist attractions; Su Tong, a leading figure in Chinese avant-garde fiction; and Liu Zhenyun, whose work was selected among Yazhou Zhoukan's top 10 Chinese novels. The English and International Reading Seminar Series includes British poet Luke Kennard and Swedish fantasy novelist Kristina Dowling. A new ASEAN Literary Festival, in collaboration with the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, features Indonesian novelist Eka Kurniawan and Singaporean author Clarissa Goenawan.
The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, presents 'World in Words, A Voyage of the Heart,' showcasing over 200 books and exhibits from around the world. Interactive installations recommend books and Hong Kong travel itineraries based on visitors' preferences.
The Sports and Leisure Expo features the Hong Kong Sports Institute's 35th-anniversary exhibition, showcasing medals from past Asian Games, and an interactive '35-second Fitness Challenge.' Now TV will broadcast major sporting events on large screens. The Travel & Tourism zone debuts Turkiye and Korea, alongside a larger Thailand presence offering authentic Thai massages.
The World of Snacks brings together more than 1,300 snacks from nearly 30 countries, divided into six themed zones. Highlights include locally handmade nut butter ice cream from The Nutter Company, healthy snacks from Azure Asia, and traditional pastries from TimeTo Gold, a social enterprise promoting elderly employment.
Tickets are priced at HK$30 for adults and HK$10 for children, with concessions for tourists and persons with disabilities. A Super Pass for HK$88 offers unlimited entry and special access. For more information, visit the Sports and Leisure Expo website and the World of Snacks website.
