The 2025 Southern China Book Fair will redefine cultural exchange as it opens its doors at the Canton Fair Complex from August 15 to 19 in Guangzhou. This year's event transcends regional boundaries to emerge as a landmark international platform, seamlessly blending technological innovation, youthful creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue.
At the heart of the festival lies an international cultural exhibition hall, spanning 9,000 square meters. This space is designed as a dynamic hub for global knowledge sharing, featuring specialized zones such as Vietnam (guest of honor), Southeast Asia and Central Asia, Arab and European pavilions, and dedicated areas for international brands and art.
Each section highlights unique cultural narratives, from Vietnamese literary heritage to contemporary publications from Europe and the Arab world, while fostering discussions on global publishing trends. Interactive digital installations and live cultural performances will further immerse visitors in a multicultural experience.
The exhibition hall also serves as a bridge for China's cultural diplomacy. A central focus will be on showcasing popular-science editions of the "Chinese Art," "Beautiful China," and "Chinese Traditional Culture" series, aimed at making traditional heritage accessible to global audiences.
Complementing this are exhibitions on modern China, including photographic displays of "High-quality Development Projects for Guangdong Counties, Towns, and Villages" and innovations in the "low-altitude economy," such as drone technology and urban air mobility. These initiatives underscore China's efforts to present both its historical depth and forward-looking advancements to the world.
Beyond physical displays, the festival will combine a main offline venue with a cloud platform and satellite events across Guangdong Province. International attendees can engage remotely through live-streamed author dialogues, virtual reality book tours, and digital cultural showcases, ensuring global participation.
Organizers emphasize that the event is more than a book fair—it is a catalyst for dialogue between civilizations. By integrating AI-driven exhibits, multilingual forums, and collaborative art projects, the 2025 Southern China Book Fair aims to foster mutual understanding in an interconnected world, positioning Guangzhou as a pivotal hub for global literary and cultural exchange.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | The 2025 Southern China Book Fair
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
