Beijing Book Fair opens in Chaoyang Park

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The 2019 Beijing Book Fair kicked off at Beijing's Chaoyang Park last Friday, with 300 domestic publishers displaying some 500,000 publications. This year's event will include a book exchange section, where visitors can share their reading experiences.

According to the organizer, the exhibition area, with around 600 booths, includes sections for both new and antique books, cultural and creative products, and photo collections that showcase the development of Beijing's publishing industry over the past 70 years.

The event, which has been held every year since 2000, has become an important tradition for residents in Beijing.

Many people regard the fair as an opportunity to buy books at a low price.

Antique books at the Beijing Book‍ Fair. /Photo provided to CGTN

One visitor told CGTN: "Many books will be sold at discounts of up to 70 percent or even higher. Although buying books online has become a trend, I still enjoy this kind of book fair where you can actually flip through the books."

Every year the book festival gets more spectacular, as the organizers supplement the experience with innovative approaches. So there is ample opportunity to join the fray and tap into Beijing's book burrowing culture.

During this year's event, the used book market has expanded its area to around 400 square meters, including an area for visitors to exchange books among themselves. They can bring their books and get coupons from the organizers, then use them to buy what they want.

A visitor said she likes the idea, and added that: "It's my first time to participate in this kind of book exchange activity. I think it's a good way to recycle used books."

Several well-known writers, scholars, and artists have been scheduled to attend the fair and meet with readers during book launches and signing events.

The Beijing Book Fair runs until April 29.