For one week every July, Hong Kong becomes a city of readers. The Hong Kong Book Fair, now in its 36th edition, fills the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai with hundreds of publishers, towering stacks of discounted books, author talks and queues that stretch out the door. It is one of the most popular events on the city’s calendar, and for expats it is a rare chance to buy English-language titles in bulk at sharp prices. Here is how to plan your visit in 2026.
When and Where
The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair runs from 15 to 21 July 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Opening hours are long: roughly 10am to 10pm from 15 to 20 July, with a shorter 9am to 5pm session on the final day, 21 July. This year’s theme is Cultural Legacy and Joyful Journeys, with a dedicated World of Art and Culture zone. Always confirm the latest details on the official HKTDC Book Fair site, as hours and sessions can be adjusted.
| Event | 36th Hong Kong Book Fair |
| Dates | 15 to 21 July 2026 |
| Hours | About 10am to 10pm (15 to 20 July); 9am to 5pm (21 July) |
| Venue | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai |
| Organiser | Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) |
| Theme | Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys |
| Scale | Over 600 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions |
| Getting There | MTR to Exhibition Centre Station or Wan Chai Station |
What to Expect
With over 600 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, the fair covers everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s books, educational materials and rare titles. For expats, the draw is twofold: the English-language sections from international and local publishers, and the deep discounts, especially as exhibitors slash prices toward the final days to clear stock. Beyond the books, the programme runs hundreds of seminars and talks, including sessions with well-known authors, plus cultural activities for families. The fair is traditionally held alongside the Sports and Leisure Expo and a food-focused zone, so confirm what is running concurrently when you go. If you are bringing little ones, it pairs well with the city’s other family and education resources.
Tickets and Admission
Admission is HK$25 per adult and HK$10 per child, with free entry typically offered to seniors aged 65 and over, children under three, and people with disabilities. Crucially, a single ticket also admits you to the concurrent Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo at the same venue on the same day, so it is better value than it first appears. The closing days are when bargain-hunters strike, as exhibitors slash prices to clear stock, and the late-night sessions on the final weekend are a Hong Kong institution. Buy tickets through the official HKTDC channels rather than third-party resellers, and confirm the latest 2026 prices on the official ticketing page before you travel.
Tips for Visiting
The Book Fair is hugely popular, so a little strategy goes a long way:
- Go on a weekday or early morning to avoid the heaviest crowds; evenings and the weekend are packed
- Save the deepest bargains for the last day or two, when exhibitors discount hard to avoid carrying stock home
- Bring a sturdy bag or small trolley and your Octopus card for easy entry and transport
- Plan your route using the official floor plan; the halls are vast and easy to get lost in
- Take the MTR to Exhibition Centre Station or Wan Chai Station; driving and parking near the HKCEC during the fair is best avoided
Where to Find English-Language Books
For expat readers, the Book Fair is one of the best chances all year to buy English-language titles in bulk and at a discount. International and English-language publishers and distributors take stalls across the main halls, alongside the big local houses such as Commercial Press, Joint Publishing and Chung Hwa, which carry sizeable English sections of their own. Seek out the English-language and children’s English zones, the university presses, and the clearance tables where last year’s hardbacks are heavily marked down. Bring a shortlist, because the scale is genuinely overwhelming, and note that the best English stock tends to thin out by the final weekend.
Author Talks and the Cultural Programme
The fair is far more than a marketplace. Each edition runs hundreds of seminars, signings and cultural events, including the long-running Meet the Authors series with local and international writers, and an annual theme that shapes the talks and exhibitions. Most seminars are free with your admission ticket, while a handful of marquee sessions are ticketed separately. The full schedule is published on the HKTDC site ahead of the fair, so it pays to plan the talks you want to catch before you arrive rather than relying on luck on the day.
What Else Is On: Concurrent Expos
Your Book Fair ticket stretches further than the books. It also covers the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo running alongside it at the HKCEC, where you will find sportswear, equipment and wellness deals, and the fair is wrapped in a wider cultural programme across the halls. That makes it easy to fill a half or full day. Check the HKTDC site for exactly which concurrent events are confirmed for the 2026 edition.
Getting There and Visiting Smart
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre sits on the Wan Chai waterfront. Take the MTR to Exhibition Centre Station, which connects almost directly to the venue, or to Wan Chai Station, a short, mostly covered walk away. The fair spreads across multiple halls over several floors, so grab a floor plan on arrival and use the cloakroom for coats and your growing stack of books. There are food and drink outlets inside, but they get very busy at peak times, so eat early or late.
Visiting With Children
- A dedicated children’s area runs story sessions, readings and activities through the week
- Weekday mornings are the calmest window for young families; weekends and evenings are packed
- Bring a small trolley or sturdy backpack – children’s books are heavy in bulk and you will buy more than you planned
- The venue is stroller-friendly with baby-care facilities on site
Why the Book Fair Matters
Now in its 36th edition, the Hong Kong Book Fair is one of Asia’s largest cultural events, drawing close to a million visitors across a single week and more than 600 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. For a city sometimes caricatured as all business, it is a remarkable annual show of reading culture, and for new arrivals it is a fast, enjoyable way to plug into Hong Kong’s literary life and stock a year’s worth of reading in a single afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hong Kong Book Fair 2026?
The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair runs from 15 to 21 July 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, with hours of roughly 10am to 10pm and a shorter final day on 21 July.
Where is the Hong Kong Book Fair held?
At the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai. The easiest way to get there is by MTR to Exhibition Centre Station or Wan Chai Station.
Is there an admission fee for the Book Fair?
Yes. Admission is HK$25 per adult and HK$10 per child, with free entry typically for seniors aged 65 and over, children under three, and people with disabilities, and a single ticket also covers the concurrent Sports and Leisure Expo. Confirm the current 2026 price on the official HKTDC site before you go.
Can I buy English books at the Hong Kong Book Fair?
Yes. International and local publishers run English-language sections, and discounts deepen toward the final days, making it a popular event for expat readers.
Official Resources
- HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair (official site)
- HKTDC Book Fair ticketing information
- Hong Kong Tourism Board Book Fair event page
For more events and activities, see our fun things to do in Hong Kong guide. If you are visiting Wan Chai for the Book Fair, check out the nearby brunch spots for a meal before or after browsing.
Quick Info
| Event | 36th Hong Kong Book Fair |
| Dates | 15 to 21 July 2026 |
| Venue | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Wan Chai |
| Hours | 10am to 10pm daily (midnight on final day) |
| Admission | HK$25 adult, HK$10 child (free for children under 3) |
| MTR | Wan Chai Station Exit A5 |
| Website | hkbookfair.hktdc.com |
| Map | Google Maps |
