World Book and Copyright Day: A new milestone in China's journey toward a book-loving society

April 23, 2026 marks the 31st World Book and Copyright Day. Proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this global observance aims to foster a culture of reading and writing while honoring the literary and scientific luminaries who have shaped human civilization. 

As a dedicated participant in this global initiative, China has elevated nationwide reading to a national strategy. Featured in government work reports for 13 consecutive years and now incorporated into the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), these efforts aim to turn over a new leaf in the nation's journey toward a book-loving society.

This year, China's commitment to nationwide reading reached a new milestone. 

Following the implementation of the Regulations on Promoting National Reading on February 1, 2026, the country is celebrating its first-ever legally mandated "National Reading Activity Week" from April 20 to 26. 

This transition signifies a strategic shift from policy-driven advocacy to a robust legal-based framework. Under the new regulation, the government assumes responsibility for funding and infrastructure, with a specialized focus on rural, border and under-resourced regions, ensuring that accessibility services are provided for minors, the elderly and people with disabilities.

To commemorate this inaugural week, a diverse array of reading events is being held across the country. From scholarly lectures and book fairs to interactive salons and book donations in cities like Qingdao and provinces like Hainan, these activities are all aimed at promoting a culture of reading among the general public.

These efforts are supported by promising new data. According to the 23rd National Reading Survey, the composite reading rate among Chinese adults has climbed to 82.3%, with an average annual consumption of 8.39 books (including print and digital). For over 80% of adults, reading has officially become a "lifestyle staple." The momentum is even stronger among the younger generation, with minors aged 0-17 reaching a reading rate of 86.7% and averaging 11.72 books per year.

The digital landscape is also undergoing a profound transformation. The 2025 China Digital Reading Report highlights an industry reaching 78.9 billion yuan (approximately $11 billion) in total revenue, boasting over 70 million works – an 11.87% year-on-year increase. With a digital contact rate of 80.8% among adults, the medium has evolved beyond simple e-books into a comprehensive ecosystem centered on intellectual property.

Whether through the classic scent of ink on paper or the modern glow of a digital screen, reading is increasingly becoming an integral part of everyday life. Supported by a robust legal framework and a thriving digital landscape, China views building a reading-friendly society as crucial to raising people's cultural refinement and the nation's level of social progress, and to fostering the country's overall innovation and creativity. Ultimately, these efforts invite everyone to rediscover the joy of books and cultivate a lifelong habit of reading.