The 2017 South China Book Festival got underway at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou on Aug 10, running until Aug 14.

Aimed at promoting reading among all age groups, the five-day event will host 240 cultural activities and more than 300 authors and publishers will be present to interact with attendees.

Different from previous events, the 2017 South China Book Festival features a more diverse range exhibition halls and pavilions including the Yangcheng Book Fair Hall, Southern Publishing and Media Hall, China Publishing Group Hall, Picture Books Pavilion and Hong Kong Pavilion.

The first day of the Yangcheng Book Fair held in China Import and Export Fair Complex on Aug 10, is well attended. [Photo/ycwb.com]

On the first day of the festival, Wang Meng, a famous Chinese writer gave a lecture on the wisdom of reading and traditional culture.

"Reading is a great way to develop our traditional culture and prosper – the South China Book Festival is a great platform to promote reading," Wang said.

At the Hong Kong Pavilion visitors look for the latest reads. [Photo/ycwb.com]

An awarding ceremony for the Sixth Flower City Literature Award was also held on the first day, with 25 renowned writers including Wang Meng, Bi Feiyu and Cheng Cang picking up accolades.

Established in the 1980s, the Flower City Literature Award has been held six times and has helped promote the literature circle in Guangdong. 

A mother and her child put up a model house together at the Picture Book Pavilion of the 2017 South China Book Festival on Aug 10. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The awarding ceremony for Sixth Flower City Literature Award is held on Aug 10. [Photo/ycwb.com]