Every summer, Hong Kong transforms into a paradise for book lovers as the Hong Kong Book Fair (HKBF) kicks off, bringing together literature, Culture, and joy from all over the world. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this annual event has evolved into one of Asia’s premier cultural gatherings since its inception in 1990, attracting over 900,000 visitors and hundreds of exhibitors each year. For foreign tourists, it is not just a book fair—it is a window to experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, a chance to meet renowned writers, and an opportunity to take home a piece of literary charm.
### Essential Information You Need to Know
First, let’s get the basics right to help you plan your visit smoothly. The 35th Hong Kong Book Fair was held from July 16 to 22, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai, a convenient location easily accessible by various means of transport. While the dates may vary slightly each year (usually in mid-July), the venue remains the same—HKCEC, located at 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, offering a spacious and modern environment for the event.
The opening hours are well-designed to accommodate different schedules: from July 16 to 19 (Wednesday to Saturday), it is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; on July 20 (Sunday), it opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 11:00 PM; on July 21 (Monday), it operates from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM; and on the final day, July 22 (Tuesday), it closes early at 5:00 PM. Remember, entry is closed 45 minutes before the fair closes, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing out.
### Ticket Information for Foreign Tourists
Tickets are affordable and come with various discounts, making the book fair accessible to all. For foreign tourists, there is a special offer: you can purchase an admission ticket for HK$20 (approximately US$2.55) by presenting your valid travel documents at the HKCEC ticket office. The regular adult ticket is HK$30, while children (primary school students or those under 1.2 meters) only need to pay HK$10. Children under 3 years old and seniors over 65 years old can enter for free, which is perfect for family visits.
There are more surprises for visitors. If you enter before 12:00 PM every day, you can buy a morning ticket for only HK$10 (same price for adults and children) at the venue entrance using an Octopus card. For avid book lovers, the Super Book Fan Card is a great choice—it costs HK$88 and allows unlimited entry during the fair, plus access to a special queue to save waiting time. Additionally, to celebrate the 35th edition, there are three special promotions: visitors born in 1990 can enter for free with valid ID, a limited “Three for Five” package (five people enter for the price of three tickets) is available, and spending HK$500 or more gives you a chance to get a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a gift.
You can buy tickets through multiple channels: electronic tickets are available on The Club, AlipayHK, Alipay, 01 Space, Octopus App, and all 7-Eleven or Circle K convenience stores. AlipayHK users can get a HK$2 discount when buying tickets via the app.
### How to Get There Easily
Hong Kong’s efficient public transport makes it easy to reach HKCEC from any part of the city. The most convenient way is by MTR (Subway): take the East Rail Line to Exhibition Centre Station, then exit from B3 and walk for about 4 minutes to reach the venue. Alternatively, take the Island Line to Wan Chai Station, exit from A5, and walk for 12 minutes through a covered walkway—no need to worry about the weather.
If you prefer a more scenic journey, take the historic Hong Kong tram from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai. It costs only HK$3 and offers a unique view of Hong Kong Island’s bustling streets and harbor views, taking about 15-20 minutes including a short walk to HKCEC. Buses are also available: routes 2, 8, and 25 connect Causeway Bay to Wan Chai. Taxis are another option, taking 5-8 minutes (depending on traffic) and costing around HK$35-50. For those who love walking, the harborfront promenade from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai is a beautiful route, taking 25-30 minutes with stunning harbor views.
### Highlights Not to Miss
The Hong Kong Book Fair is more than just a place to buy books—it is a cultural feast with diverse activities. Each year, the fair has a special theme; in 2025, it was “food Culture · Future Living,” which perfectly combines Hong Kong’s reputation as a food paradise with the charm of literature. To echo the theme, the World of Art & Culture section presented “Book a Table · Food for Thought,” an immersive exhibition where eight local and overseas artists collaborated with consulates in Hong Kong to explore global food culture through art.
Seminars and talks are a major highlight of the fair. There are eight seminar series, featuring renowned writers, scholars, and even close friends of late Hong Kong food critic Chua Lam, who shared interesting anecdotes about his life. In 2025, Taiwanese writer Long Yingtai also gave a lecture with her new book “Gaze,” discussing the relationship between humans and nature, which deeply moved the audience. These events are mostly free and offer a great chance to interact with literary figures and gain new insights.
The fair also features over 770 exhibitors from around the world, offering a wide range of books—from bestsellers and academic works to children’s books and rare collections. You can find books in English, Chinese, and other languages, making it easy for foreign tourists to find something they love. Additionally, the fair runs concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, so you can enjoy over 1,300 snacks from around the world and experience sports activities after browsing books—a one-stop experience for Culture, leisure, and food.
For young visitors, the “Culture and Creative Products Area” is a must-visit. It features creative products such as ancient-style postcards with funny memes, Palace Museum cultural and creative products, and AI-related works, blending tradition with modernity. There are also VR experience zones where you can immerse yourself in the world of books, such as becoming an astronaut in “The Little Prince” or exploring the center of the earth in “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.
### Useful Tips for Foreign Tourists
1. Language: Most exhibitors and staff can speak English, so you don’t have to worry about communication. There are also English signs and brochures available throughout the venue.
2. Luggage: Lockers are available at HKCEC to store your luggage, so you can browse books freely without carrying heavy bags.
3. Assembly Points: If you get separated from your family or friends, head to the assembly points at Hall 1A (near the entrance), Hall 3B (near the entrance), or Hall 3G (near booth 3G-F35).
4. Payment: Most exhibitors accept credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Octopus cards. It’s recommended to carry some cash in Hong Kong dollars for small purchases.
5. Weather: Hong Kong is hot and humid in July, so wear light and comfortable clothes. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
### Final Words
The Hong Kong Book Fair is more than an event—it is a celebration of literature, a bridge between cultures, and a precious experience that allows you to feel the charm of Hong Kong. Whether you are a book lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique cultural activity during your trip, the Hong Kong Book Fair will not disappoint. Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the world of books, and take home unforgettable memories of literature and culture from this vibrant city.
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