The 2026 Southern China Book Fair will run from August 27 to 31 at Area B of the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou. According to a press conference held on August 20, the fair will focus on public reading, international exchange and integration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The fair will cover about 40,000 square meters, with 31 themed exhibition halls and more than 300 publishing institutions from China and overseas. It will showcase nearly 30,000 original foreign-language titles and more than 500,000 books, publications and cultural products. More than 170 writers and cultural figures will participate in over 280 events. Across Guangdong Province, 437 venues will also host 1,579 reading activities.

International participation will be a major highlight. The fair will feature representation from more than 30 countries and regions, with nearly 20 overseas writers and foreign diplomats based in Guangzhou invited to attend.

Dedicated areas will include the China International Communications Group Pavilion and the International Publishers Pavilion, showcasing works from leading global publishers. The Lingnan Printing Art Pavilion will promote cross-border cooperation in printing and cultural products. The international book copyright fair and the roundtable will also bring together more than 50 Chinese and overseas publishing institutions.

Thailand will be the guest country of honor, with a dedicated pavilion focusing on overseas Chinese communities, literary exchange and cultural diversity. The APEC Pavilion, covering about 1,500 square meters, will feature five international book fairs, four themed cultural exhibitions, four interactive experiences and more than 10 cultural sharing sessions.

Technology will also play a key role. The science popularization zone will showcase books on AI, space exploration, marine science and life sciences. Visitors can take part in a space simulation experience, and talks and new-book events will explore AI and education. An AI publishing system will also be unveiled to support the smart transformation of the publishing industry.

The fair will also upgrade the Hong Kong and Macao pavilions and add dedicated spaces for city bookstores, old book exchanges, traditional Chinese medicine and fragrance, offering more diverse reading and cultural experiences.

Photo | Southern China Book Fair