Over 50 Chinese publishers showcased China’s Literature talent at the London Book Fair from Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th March 2025.
More than 50 Chinese publishers brought 4,000 titles to this year’s London Book Fair showcasing a wealth of Chinese literary talent. Works highlighted China’s literary talent, recent development, and the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II. There were also around 40 activities hosted during the fair. This included book launches, copyright signings, panel talks, and seminars.
One of the highlights was famous Chinese author Liu Zhunyun speaking on a panel discussing how Chinese stories can reach readers around the world through literature, film and television. He joined as the Reading Promotion Ambassador for the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). In this role serving as a key link connecting the Beijing and London book fairs, building a bridge for international literary exchanges
A small exhibition titled Symphony of Love and Dreams: The Theatrical Worlds of Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare also featured at the fair. It intertwined the works of two contemporary great playwrights. Displayed work included the poetic English translation of Tang’s The Peony Pavilion and the Chinese translation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It drew many visitors intrigued by these two literary masters’ work.
Chinese publishers also brought books this year to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II. Among the publications was the Chinese version of Blades of Grass – The Story of George Aylwin Hogg.
Hogg was a British journalist and schoolteacher who went to China in 1938. During his time in China, he reported on the conflict before later serving as a teacher. He died due to a tetanus infection in 1945. Just one month before the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II.
For fiction, a new graphic novel adaption of the world-famous The Three-Body Problem was showcased. Yilin Press, a literary imprint of Phoenix Publishing and Media Inc, revealed the adaption. It is being adapted by Wu Qingsong in a Chinese guoman style.
The London Book Fair occurred from Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th at the London Olympia Exhibition Centre. Starting in 1971, it is one of the world’s major publishing and copyright events. Around 1,000 publishers and an estimated 30,000 people attended this year’s fair.
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