Shanxi gears up for national book expo

The logo of the 25th National Book Expo, which will be held in Shanxi province in September, was released on April 24 in Taiyuan, the province’s capital. [Photo by Mei Jia/China Daily]

The organizers said they will hold more than 150 events, inviting writers, critics and scholars to exchange views with the readers, besides displaying selected titles of the most "in" books in China.

The organizers view the expo as a platform for publishers and also as a chance to promote the habit of reading.

Chinese leaders are avid readers, and have promoted the habit on many occasions.

President Xi Jinping said reading should be a way of living.

To build a nation with avid readers was listed as one of the government's goal in the Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang in March. The Premier gave further explanation when asked about the goal when meeting the press during the two sessions. He again stressed the point during his inspection tour of the Xiamen University in Fujian province on April 22.

Most of the 150 events will be held in China Taiyuan Coal Transaction Center in Taiyuan, covering an area of 19,298 square meters. Three more cities in the province, including Datong and Yuncheng, will also be urged to become part of the book party.

Besides that new media platforms will be widely applied during the expo to share information and invite interaction.

If you happen to visit the province in September, the expo may offer you an interesting option.