Hong Kong book fair draws over 1 mln visitors

The week-long literary and cultural extravaganza featured an extensive selection of literary works, renowned international authors and diverse cultural activities. About 640 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions joined the book fair this year.[Photo/Xinhua]

In terms of genre, fiction had become the most wanted shopping item, followed by literature, travel books and self-improvement books; and the average amount spent by visitors was 902 HK dollars (about $116), which is similar to last year, the survey showed.

As for reading habits, almost all respondents, or 99 percent, said they had read a printed book in the past month, spending on average 24 hours reading. Some 60 percent of respondents reported reading an e-book in the past month, spending on average 14 hours.

The book fair adopted the theme "Chinese Martial Arts Literature" for the first time this year. The Chinese Martial Arts Literature exhibition and The Literary Giant -- Jin Yong and Louis Cha exhibition, featuring manuscripts, first editions and comic books and movies adapted from well-known martial arts literature, were well-received and attracted a large number of visitors.

About 630 cultural events were held during the book fair, which attracted more than 300,000 attendees, the organizer said.