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An annual cultural highlight, the Hong Kong Book Fair will run from 20-26 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. In its 27th edition, the fair is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with more than 600 exhibitors from some 30 countries and regions expected to take part, including newcomers from Chile, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Portugal and Russia. More than 380 cultural activities are arranged during the week-long event including seminars, readings, new book parades, storytelling sessions and performances with the aim of cultivating the public’s cultural awareness and interest in reading. Theme of the Year – Chinese Martial Arts Literature This year, the Hong Kong Book Fair adopts the theme of Chinese Martial Arts Literature. “Hong Kong has produced many renowned martial arts novelists over the years who have created timeless classics,” said HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau. “Many of these works have been translated into different languages and adapted into movies, TV series, computer games and comics that are popular not only in the Greater China region but also around the world. The martial arts world portrayed in these novels embodies the essence of Chinese culture and is an important conduit for sharing and promoting Chinese culture.” A Chinese Martial Arts Literature exhibition will be set up at the Art Gallery, introducing readers to eight esteemed Hong Kong martial arts novelists from different eras. These include Liang Yu Sheng, Jin Yong (Louis Cha), Gu Long, Ni Kuang, Woon Swee Oan, Huang Yi, Jozev Lau and Zheng Feng. The zone will also display other precious exhibits, such as early serialised comic clippings, first editions, adapted screenplays and comic books. The HKTDC will also partner with the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to organise a Jin Yong exhibition, spotlighting his achievements as one of the most influential Chinese martial arts novelists. Meanwhile, renowned martial arts novelists Woon Swee Oan, Jozev Lau and Zheng Feng will be on hand to meet readers. A gathering of authors from around the world
A Journey to “Silk Road”: Shaanxi and India Among the exhibitions at the Art Gallery will be A Journey to “Silk Road”: Shaanxi and India. Visitors will be able to appreciate precious artefacts from the Chinese province of Shaanxi and India, which is regarded as one of the four great ancient civilisations. Western Zhou Dynasty bronze works, Qin brick, Han tile, Tang sancai and Silk Road coins from Xian; and, from India, paintings, ethnic clothing, agar wood, tea and decorations will be displayed. The HKTDC will also arrange traditional Shaanxi and Indian performances to broaden the cultural horizons of visitors. Insights from renowned authors This year’s Book Fair continues to bring together renowned authors from the mainland and overseas to share their insights in storytelling. The HKTDC will collaborate with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan to co-organise the Renowned Writers Seminar Series. Heavyweight speakers will include Ye Yong Lie (journalism and biography), Cao Wen Xuan (children’s literature and 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Author Award winner), Lung Ying Tai and Jan Hung Tze (renowned Taiwanese authors), Professor Way Kuo (President of the City University of Hong Kong), Ma Ka Fai, Jin Ren Shun (Chunshen Original Literary Award winning author) and Jiang Sheng Nan (creator of the Chinese mainland hit TV series The Legend of Mi Yue). Cultivating children’s love of reading For children and parents, the Children and Youth Reading Series will feature award-winning Taiwanese illustrator Huang Chih Ming and Hong Kong’s Joyce Choi to spotlight the joy of children’s picture books. Occupational therapist Silvia Mak, mother of Miss Hong Kong Louisa Mak, and Agnes Chan will speak about parenting while seasoned media personality Lawrence Cheng, artist Louisa So and Principal Derek Yeung will share selected stories with children. The fair will be divided into various product zones, with Children's Paradise returning to showcase reading material for children of all ages. There will also be a new Talent Hub zone, where parents and children can browse information of extracurricular activities. At the International Cultural Village, foreign consulates and associations from 23 countries and regions will showcase cultural highlights to stimulate interest among children and adults alike. English Avenue returns to the fair with more than 30 exhibitors. Cultural July Once again this year, the HKTDC is collaborating with other cultural institutions, schools, government departments and companies to co-organise Cultural July. The citywide festival aims to arouse the public’s interest and participation in cultural activities, which include more than 250 events, from sharing sessions, storytelling, theatre workshops, cultural tours and photography exhibitions. For details, please visit the Cultural July website. Tickets on sale today Tickets to the Book Fair are now available at Hong Kong Ticketing and designated 7-11 and Circle K convenience stores. Electronic ticketing is introduced to the Book Fair for the first time this year. The public can purchase tickets via the “TNG e-Wallet” App. There will also be Morning Admission Tickets and a Special Re-entry Promotion (details below). The seminars are also open for online registration starting today. |