Beijing witnessed a remarkable cultural outreach as over 100 Chinese bookstores across 40 countries and regions organized the 16th Global Overseas Chinese Bookstores’ Chinese Book Spring Festival Joint Exhibition. From the bustling streets of New York to the historic quarters of London, Paris, Singapore, Tunisia, Australia, and beyond, these stores became vibrant hubs celebrating Chinese heritage during the Spring Festival.
The centerpiece of the event was a dedicated showcase of President Xi Jinping’s works and related study materials. Bookstores emphasized high-quality publications that unpack key decisions and initiatives of the Chinese Communist Party and state, highlighting developmental achievements of the new era and their implications for the global stage. This wasn’t just a display; it was an invitation to understand China’s narrative through its literature.
Complementing the political and ideological focus, stores featured Spring Festival-themed books, popular academic titles, original children’s literature, and Chinese language learning textbooks. These selections catered to diverse audiences, bridging cultural gaps with accessible and engaging content.
To draw in international readers, organizers rolled out interactive programs like the ‘My Story with Spring Festival’ essay contest, ‘Famous Authors’ Art Week,’ and ‘Stories Connecting the World’ sessions. Hands-on activities such as composing Spring Festival couplets and solving lantern riddles provided immersive experiences, allowing people from all walks of life to feel the pulse of this ancient festival.
This global exhibition underscores China’s soft power strategy, using books as bridges to foster cross-cultural understanding. As participants immersed themselves in these events, the event not only promoted Chinese culture but also strengthened people-to-people ties worldwide, proving that stories and traditions can transcend borders.