Chongqing - The 33rd National Book Expo opens on July 25  at the Chongqing International Expo Center, showcasing the country's publishing achievements and promoting reading culture nationwide.

The 33rd China National Book Expo opens on July 25 at the Chongqing International Expo Center. (Photo/The event organizer)

Organized by the National Press and Publication Administration and hosted by the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, this four-day event runs through July 28 with free admission for all visitors.

The expo brings together over 1,000 publishers and distributors from across China, transforming the 80,000-square-meter venue into a vibrant hub for book lovers. The exhibition showcases an impressive collection of over one million titles, including approximately 100,000 new releases, available through physical displays and digital platforms. A series of cultural activities, from children's reading programs to digital publishing discussions, promises to engage visitors of all ages.

The expo brings together over 1,000 publishers and distributors from across China. (Photo/The event organizer)

The expo's cultural program features the 16th edition of the prestigious "Readers' Conference," bringing together celebrated authors including Chen Jin, Li Jingze, Alai, Zhu Yong, and Liu Chuxin for intimate dialogues with literature enthusiasts.

Alongside this flagship event, the expo will host a vibrant series of nearly 1,000 reading-themed activities throughout Chongqing, from the popular Children's Reading Carnival and the signature "Red Sofa" author interview series to the thought-provoking "Land and Sea Reading Salon" and the cutting-edge 2025 Digital Publishing Forum. 

These carefully curated events, many infused with Chongqing's distinctive local flavor, will transform the city into a living literary hub through interactive new book launches, intimate author meet-and-greets, and immersive reading experiences designed to engage citizens of all ages. 

The 33rd China National Book Expo opens on July 25  at the Chongqing International Expo Center. (Photo/The event organizer)

Innovative features at this year's expo include VR-powered tours of cultural heritage sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and Dunhuang Caves, as well as special exhibitions of rare ancient texts. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences with traditional book restoration and intangible cultural heritage crafts.

To enhance accessibility, organizers are offering 2 million yuan(about $27.92 million) in book purchase vouchers through the "Ants' Books Quest" mini-program, along with discounts on shipping and local transportation. E-commerce platforms JD.com and Dangdang are running parallel online promotions, extending the expo's reach to readers nationwide.