Deepened appreciation for literature, food and connections | Cultural Exchange | Bernard Charnwut Chan

The 35th Hong Kong Book Fair, a regionally renowned event, concluded yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this year’s fair focused on the theme “Food Culture – Future Living,” sparking discussions about how food influences our lives, identities and communities.

Over seven days, the fair welcomed visitors of all ages who explored a carefully curated collection of literary works on food heritage, global cuisines and the evolving role of food in modern society. 

Stalls offered an eclectic mix of cookbooks, lifestyle guides and titles on culinary traditions and innovations, appealing to both casual readers and food enthusiasts.

The event featured a wide range of seminars, talks, and interactive activities, covering topics such as preserving food culture, emerging nutrition trends, and technological advances in dining. Sessions conducted in Cantonese, English and Putonghua underscored the city’s linguistic diversity and inclusive spirit, inviting visitors to engage in a global cultural exchange.

The fair’s seminar series featured the “Renowned Writers” series, showcasing acclaimed authors from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, alongside the “English and International Reading” series, where international authors shared their creative journeys and insights.

The “World of Art and Culture” zone was a highlight, showcasing innovative installations by eight multidisciplinary artists. These works connected literature with visual art, music and interactive elements, providing new insights into how food influences culture and our sense of identity. 

Visitors were encouraged to reflect on the role of storytelling in fostering connections across diverse art forms.

The fair also celebrated a milestone anniversary, and organizers ensured no one missed out. Guests born in 1990, the year of the first Book Fair, were offered complimentary entry and limited-edition collectables. 

City-wide outreach programs, such as pop-up bookstalls and workshops, reinforced the fair’s mission to nurture a love for reading across all ages and districts.

As the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair concluded, it reaffirmed its status as a cultural cornerstone, inspiring a deeper appreciation for literature, food and the connections that unite us across communities and generations.

Bernard Charnwut Chan is chairman of Tai Kwun Culture & Arts Co Ltd