29th National Book Expo

Introduction

The 29th National Book Expo took place in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, from July 27 to 30 in 2019. This event, held in China's northwest, was a major cultural gathering that celebrated local literary legends, national history, and advancements in the sciences. The expo brought together over 1,000 publishing-related organizations from 30 provincial administrations, as well as representatives from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Highlights and Themes

The expo featured a wide array of books commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Discussions and events at the expo centered around digital publishing, technology, IP-centered publishing, and the heritage of the Silk Road. One of the significant trends noted by the organizers was the publishing industry's focus on the young reader market, aimed at fostering a love for reading among younger generations.

Jia Pingwa

One of the highlights of the 29th National Book Expo was the participation of the renowned writer Jia Pingwa. A native of Shaanxi, Jia is known for his stories that often explore the lives of villagers around the Qinling Mountains and the generational differences in Chinese society. At the expo, Jia announced that he was working on a new novel with urban settings and themes, marking a departure from his usual rural narratives. Despite his shift in focus, Jia emphasized the importance of staying connected with society while maintaining solitude and a certain distance from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Jia's presence at the expo drew significant attention, with fans eagerly gathering to hear him speak. He also received an "honorary writer" award from the People's Literature Publishing House. During a recitation of excerpts from an article about his mother, Jia was moved to tears, underscoring the personal and emotional nature of his work.

International Participation and Global Connections

The theme of the Silk Road was prominently featured at the expo, with a dedicated booth showcasing books from 34 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. An international forum on bookstores titled "Silk Road" was held, highlighting the global nature of the event. Notable attendees included former United Nations official Michael Worbs, Denis Koto, founder of Russian Bookvoed, and Murat Bahadir, CEO of Turkish Kirmizi Kedi bookstore group. These experts shared their insights on the operation of physical bookstores in an era increasingly dominated by e-books.

Literary Translations and Cultural Exchanges

Jia Pingwa's work, known for its use of the Shaanxi dialect and cultural elements, has been increasingly translated into various languages. Canadian translator Dylan King is currently working on translating Jia's novel "Qin Qiang" (The Qinqiang Opera), highlighting the challenges and nuances involved in translating culturally rich texts. Jia has actively introduced translators to Shaanxi culture to aid in their understanding and translation of his works.

A Gathering of Literary Talent

The expo featured a total of 150 writers and attracted 412,000 visitors to more than 500 events. Notable authors such as Chen Zhongshi and Lu Yao, who also hailed from Shaanxi, were celebrated for their contributions to Chinese literature. Wu Mengchuan launched her fourth novel, "Wei Zi's Spring," which tackles the theme of violence against teenagers, while emphasizing the experiences of three troubled young people. Jia Pingwa expressed his admiration for Wu's work, praising her ability to write from a young person's perspective.

Children's Literature and Educational Initiatives

The expo's children's section was one of the most popular areas, reflecting China's status as the second-largest market for children's publishing. Many new releases for children and teenagers focused on classical culture and the sciences. One notable release was the "Chinese Children's Encyclopedia of Space," a comprehensive set of four volumes compiled by Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist of China's moon probe project. This encyclopedia explores the universe, China's space exploration, and views on the solar system.

Promoting Reading Habits and Supporting Communities

To encourage reading habits, the expo organized book donations to libraries and reading rooms in rural communities. Additionally, the event honored individuals who have dedicated themselves to reading and promoting literacy, recognizing them as "reading figures of the year." Among these individuals was Guo Hengxun, known as the "diary king" of Yangcheng town in Shanxi province. Guo has been writing diaries for 61 years, amassing 30 million words in 1,100 volumes. His dedication to reading and writing serves as an inspiration to many.

Enriching the Literary Landscape

The 29th National Book Expo also served as a platform for the release of new books across various genres. One notable work was "Ancient Poetry Hidden in Traditional Festivals" by history writer Zhang Xuefang, which uses ancient poems to introduce traditional festivals. The book highlights how these festivals carry Chinese memories, rituals, and ideas passed down through generations. Zhang's engaging storytelling style offers readers a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural traditions.

International Collaborations and Translations

The expo also featured international collaborations, such as the publication of the Usborne Flip-flap series in China. The series, known for its educational and entertaining content, has captivated young readers worldwide. Jieli Publishing House, the authorized Chinese publisher for Usborne, has brought this series to Chinese readers, expanding their access to global literature.

Furthermore, the bilingual Harry Potter series was introduced, offering readers in China the opportunity to appreciate the original English texts alongside their Chinese translations. This initiative aims to enhance readers' understanding of the text and foster an appreciation for both languages.