3 Days to Go: Why the Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair Continues to Shape Global Publishing

In just three days, publishing professionals, authors, illustrators, educators, literary agents, and book lovers from around the world will gather once again for one of the most influential events in international publishing. The Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) 2026 will take place from 13–15 November 2026 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre (SWEECC), welcoming visitors to three exciting days dedicated to creativity, collaboration, and the future of publishing. Since its launch in 2013, CCBF has steadily grown into the leading book fair in the Asia-Pacific region devoted to children’s publishing and content, earning international recognition for its commitment to literary excellence and global exchange.

Throughout more than a decade of growth, CCBF has remained true to its guiding philosophy, “Embracing the Future.” That vision can be seen throughout the fair, where traditional publishing exists alongside emerging technologies, creative media, educational innovation, and cross-industry collaboration. As publishing continues to evolve, CCBF demonstrates that books remain at the heart of storytelling while embracing new ways of connecting creators with readers around the world.

Another defining milestone in CCBF’s development came through its close partnership with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) beginning in 2018. Widely recognized as the world’s largest and most prestigious children’s publishing event, BCBF has more than six decades of history connecting the global publishing community. This collaboration has strengthened CCBF’s international presence while supporting China’s publishing vision of introducing outstanding local works to global readers and bringing exceptional international titles into the Chinese market. The partnership has helped establish CCBF as an increasingly important gateway between Eastern and Western publishing industries.

Beyond the exhibition halls, CCBF offers a rich programme that celebrates every aspect of publishing and visual storytelling. Visitors can attend professional conferences and seminars that explore emerging industry trends, discover outstanding talent through the internationally recognized Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, meet artists along the vibrant Illustrators Avenue, experience creative installations through the Children Plus Exhibition, and participate in numerous activities designed to encourage reading, artistic expression, and cultural exchange. These programmes transform the fair into a dynamic environment where creativity extends well beyond the pages of a book.

The fair’s continued growth reflects its expanding global influence. During CCBF 2025, the event welcomed 474 leading publishers and children’s content organizations from 35 countries and territories, including 194 international exhibitors alongside 280 major Chinese publishing companies. Over the course of just three days, more than 42,000 visitors attended the fair, including nearly 16,000 publishing professionals, demonstrating the event’s importance as both a cultural celebration and a business platform for the international publishing community.

For Citi of Books, participating in CCBF 2026 represents another meaningful opportunity to introduce talented authors to an international audience while building lasting relationships across the publishing industry. International book fairs continue to play an essential role in helping stories travel beyond borders, opening doors to new readers, new partnerships, and new possibilities. Every title displayed reflects an author’s passion, creativity, and dedication, and every visitor who discovers those works becomes part of that ongoing journey.

With only three days remaining before CCBF 2026 officially begins, anticipation continues to grow throughout the publishing world. Soon, the exhibition halls of SWEECC will once again come alive with conversations, creative ideas, beautiful illustrations, and remarkable stories waiting to be discovered. As publishers, authors, illustrators, and readers gather under one roof, CCBF once again reminds us that great books do more than entertain—they inspire imagination, encourage learning, and create connections that reach far beyond the final page.