Twenty-five books from 21 Chinese publishers have been selected for Beauty of Books in China 2026. The titles will compete in Leipzig in 2027.
Twenty-five books from 21 Chinese publishers have been selected for the 2026 Beauty of Books in China programme. The results were announced in Shanghai on November 2nd. The selected titles will go on to compete in the 2027 Best Book Design from All Over the World competition in Leipzig, Germany.
Launched in 2003, Beauty of Books in China is one of the country’s leading book design selection programmes. So far, it has recognised 546 books, 27 of which have gone on to receive the international Best Book Design from All Over the World award.
This year’s selection attracted 370 entries from July. They covered a wide range of subjects, including literature, art, science and technology, education, history and children’s books.
As digital reading becomes more widespread, printed books continue to offer a distinctive experience through their physical qualities and tactile appeal. This year’s selection focused on designs that put reading first. Rather than relying on elaborate decoration or excessive packaging, the judges looked for a balance between visual appeal and readability, with the aim of making design enhance the reading experience.
Zhang Zhiwei, chairman of the 2026 judging panel, told China News Service that this year’s selection included several text-led books. Their designs focus on conveying the character of the books and creating a smooth, comfortable reading experience.
He highlighted Tang Yin Miao Jian（《唐音妙简》） and What it should be (《样子》) as two examples. Both are small-format books with a restrained palette of black, white and grey. Zhang said he particularly liked their comfortable feel, well-paced layouts and elegant, bookish style.
Meanwhile, several young designers born in the 1990s were among this year’s selected works. With a strong understanding of reading and mature design skills, they are bringing new approaches and fresh energy to traditional printed books.
If you liked this article, why not read: Why Chinese Readers Still Buy Physical Books in a Digital Age
