This year’s book fair was not limited to a single exhibition hall; it extended to cultural venues and distinctive bookstores across SIP, where more than 50 thematic reading activities were held.

At the main venue, theme sessions keep the excitement going on every day. For example, on the afternoon of July 2, the reading and sharing session for a new book by Ding Yijue was held, offering readers a vivid and multifaceted view of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). On July 3, the launch of Taihu Stories, with a focus on ecological protection, urban-rural development and rural revitalization around Taihu Lake, was held.

At other venues, reading activities spanned science, children’s literature, art, and urban life. SIP Library hosted a new book sharing session themed “Science Makes Our Future More Vibrant and Exciting”, delivering messages of contemporary strength through documentary stories. Quantum Chapter, a science-fiction-themed interactive bookstore, hosted an author meet-and-greet, offering readers a chance to directly connect with their favorite author Yang Hongying.

Other benefits were offered to readers, too. The Phoenix International Book Mall (Suzhou) offered nearly 1,000 kinds of books at discounts of up to 50%. The SIP Public Cultural Center’s book fair themed “Reading Creates a Photosynthetic Life” allowed participants to borrow any of nearly 10,000 quality new books free of charge from venues including Suzhou Eslite Bookstore and SIP Library. A number of other book exhibitions with different themes opened at the same time.