Hong Kong book lovers are flocking to the city’s book fair, an annual event run by a statutory body established by the government.
People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai, July 17, 2026. Places where independent booksellers’ stands once stood have been turned into reading areas this year. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) event took place against the backdrop of national security raids and arrests at two independent bookstores, while two others were banned from attending the fair.
On Wednesday, the first day of the fair, police raided Have a Nice Stay and Greenfield and arrested five operators. for alleged sedition.
People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai, July 17, 2026. Places where independent booksellers’ stands once stood have been turned into reading areas this year. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Last month, local media reported that bookstores Elmbook and Luck Win were disqualified by fair organizers despite receiving prior approval to participate.
The two long-running bookstores had been frequent exhibitors at the book fair. Both declined to comment, while the HKTDC said it would not discuss individual cases, according to local media.
A child holds a virtual reality headset at the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Center on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
“Hundreds of new book boxes have arrived in Hong Kong and we look forward to welcoming book lovers for a treasure hunt,” the statement said.
At this year’s book fair, the stands previously designated for Elmbook and Luck Win were turned into reading areas.
Meanwhile, several titles were banned from sale, including a poetry collection by Hong Kong writer Tang Siu-wa and a fiction title by John Chan, Ming Pao. reported.
People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
City Security Minister Chris Tang bought books at the fair on Wednesday, according to his Facebook YOUR. In addition to two titles written by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Tang also bought a book on Labubu and another on Hong Kong cuisine.
This year’s book fair runs until next Tuesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai.
A poster featuring Mao Zedong is displayed at the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Center on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A stand at the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai displays a five-volume collection of speeches and writings by Chinese President Xi Jinping on the governance of China, on July 15, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on July 15, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.The Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai, July 17, 2026. The screen in the picture shows an animation, with the subtitle: “‘The sooner the reunion, the better,’ he thinks.” Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People attend the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on July 17, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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