Chongqing - On May 29, the preparatory meeting for the 33rd National Book Expo was held in Chongqing, marking the city's return as host for the country's premier reading event after an 18-year hiatus.

The Expo released one of its promotional videos about Chongqing (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

Jointly organized by the National Press and Publication Administration and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, the 33rd Book Expo will take place from July 25 to 28, 2025. The main venue will be the Chongqing International Expo Centre in Liangjiang New Area, with satellite venues set up in the city's Nan'an and Dazu districts.

Themed "A Fragrant China, the Beauty of Reading," this year's Expo in Chongqing aims to celebrate the nation's literary vibrancy while embracing digital innovation. The main exhibition area will span over 80,000 square meters and host more than 4,500 international-standard booths, showcasing over one million titles and hosting thousands of author-reader interactions and literary forums.

The Expo's cute visual elements (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

Major themed exhibitions will include: "Light of Truth: Achievements in Party Theory Publications," "Reading China: National Book Boutique Exhibition," "Old Books, New Insights," "A Millennium of Stone Scripture," and "Connected World." Highlight events such as the "Readers' Assembly," "Children's Reading Carnival," "Land-Sea Reading Forum," and "2025 Cyber Readers' Conference" will bring reading to life for visitors of all ages.

The Expo will also feature cutting-edge technologies, including AI, VR, and digital avatars, to create immersive reading experiences. A new one-stop digital reading service platform, "Ant Book Finder," will help readers navigate events and discover titles both online and offline. Livestreaming and social media engagement through platforms like Douyin, Tencent, JD, and Xiaohongshu will ensure nationwide participation.

This Expo will also release a book-search app, "Ant Book Finder." (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

"This Book Expo is not only a cultural feast," said Guan Hong, Executive Deputy Director of Chongqing's CPC Publicity Department, "but also a key step toward building a culturally strong nation through reading."

Chongqing's rich history, mountainous scenery, and dynamic urban life will provide a stunning backdrop to the Expo, welcoming guests from across China to immerse themselves in the power of books and the joy of reading.