The 2026 Southern China Book Fair has opened in Guangzhou, bringing a world of books and culture to the city. Running from August 27 to 31 at the Canton Fair Complex, the event features more than 300 publishing institutions from China and abroad, nearly 30,000 foreign-language original titles, more than 500,000 books and cultural products and over 280 cultural activities.
Wondering what to see and do? Here's a quick guide to the highlights.
Step into the APEC culture
The APEC Theme Culture Pavilion features more than 300 books, including studies on regional cooperation, overseas Chinese literature, Russian classics, Latin American literature and works from the US and Canada.
Visitors can also explore exhibitions on Southeast Asian creative painting, East Asian design, photography and AI-assisted art, as well as wine culture. For a hands-on experience, visitors can try Southeast Asian fabric crafts, Andean-inspired crafts, Aboriginal dot painting or Maya-inspired face painting. A series of talks on literature, design, wine culture and visual storytelling will also take place during the fair.
Discover Thailand Pavilion
As this year's guest of honor, Thailand showcases its literature and culture while highlighting its long-standing ties with Guangdong. A key highlight is a special exhibition of props from the Guangdong-produced film Dear You, including the wooden bicycle and traditional flags featured in the movie, some of which are being displayed to the public for the first time. In addition, visitors can explore a literature exhibition tracing Thai writing from classical traditions to contemporary works.
The pavilion also features Thai royal costumes, cultural IPs and food culture. Thai students in Guangdong will present traditional dance performances and lead themed tours. Additionally, Thai-Chinese writer Pattadon Kijchainukul will give a talk on the cultural heritage of Thai-Chinese communities.
Dive into the literary world
The fair's international exhibition area brings together literary works from Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa at 12 themed pavilions. The sections dedicated to Latin America and Africa feature cultural displays inspired by tango, samba, coastal landscapes, ancient Egyptian civilization and African traditions.
The sections also feature a dedicated exhibition on One Hundred Years of Solitude, alongside literary sharing sessions with writers and scholars from Argentina, Uruguay, Egypt and others. Visitors can also enjoy Latin American dance performances and try Egyptian papyrus art.
At the sections dedicated to Asia and Europe, specialty snacks, cultural products and themed markets will create more opportunities for visitors to experience different cultures beyond book pages. Renowned Polish sci-fi writer Rafał Kosik will also appear in person, sharing insights into the cyberpunk world of his novel Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence.
Bazaar, tech and immersive experiences
In partnership with Comicup (CP), one of China's largest and longest-running anime and comic events, the fair has launched an anime and comic culture bazaar. This bazaar features original artworks, selected illustrations, creator showcases, original publications, experiences with Lingnan intangible cultural heritage crafts, as well as a themed merchandise and beverage area.
The International Culture-Tourism, Science & Education Pavilion offers a VR aerospace carnival, where visitors can experience spaceflight, aerial combat and virtual tours of cultural and tourism venues. The pavilion also features drone football and interactive sports experiences, offering a range of hands-on activities that bring science and technology to life.
Meet writers and cultural icons
More than 170 writers and cultural figures from China and abroad will join the fair, engaging in talks, book launches, signing sessions and reader meet-and-greets. The guest lineup includes international writers such as Lucy Caldwell, Rafał Kosik and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, as well as Chinese authors Ma Boyong and Yang Hongying.
Some events require online reservations in advance, while others are open to on-site registration or queuing.
Visitor information
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00, August 27 & 31; 10:00–21:00, August 28–30
Venue: Area B, China Import and Export Fair Complex (中国进出口商品交易会展馆)
Metro:
Guangzhou Metro Line 8: Get off at Pazhou Station, take Exit A or B, and then enter through Gate 4, Area B.
Guangzhou Metro Line 11: Get off at Pazhou Station, take Exit E or F, and then enter through Gate 3, Area B.
Admission: Free with advance reservation via the official QR code. Some activities require separate reservations through this WeChat Mini Program.
Venue Map
Explore Guangzhou after the fair
If you have time left after exploring the book fair, Guangzhou has plenty more to offer.
Guangzhou's best libraries for international readers
For those who want to continue their literary journey, Guangzhou's public library network offers extensive collections, including foreign-language books, children's resources and science and technology materials.
More: Full guide to Guangzhou's best libraries for international readers
Take a night cruise on the Pearl River
A night cruise offers a fresh perspective on Guangzhou's cityscape. Today, an expanding lineup of themed vessels brings together Lingnan culture, Chinese traditions, tea culture, Nanyue history and futuristic technology. For a unique way to experience the city after dark, Jixiang Cruise (吉祥舫) is worth a try.
More: New cruise offers an immersive journey into Nanyue culture on Pearl River
Exploring Guangzhou's new shopping, lifestyle destinations
Guangzhou now has a growing lineup of new shopping and lifestyle destinations, offering fresh places for dining and shopping across the city. Among them are Bai'etan MixC in Liwan, Guangzhou Music Park in Tianhe, Xiangxue Shiguang in Huangpu and Yunshan Core Park in Baiyun.
More: Exploring Guangzhou's new shopping, lifestyle destinations
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Photos | Southern China Book Fair, Guangzhou Nansha Fabu, Pearl River Night Cruise WeChat account, and Guangzhou Music Park
