Tomorrow marks the opening of the Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) 2026, one of the most anticipated publishing events in the Asia-Pacific region. From 13–15 November 2026, the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre (SWEECC) will welcome publishers, authors, illustrators, literary agents, educators, booksellers, rights professionals, and readers from around the world for three days dedicated to creativity, collaboration, and the future of publishing. After months of preparation, the exhibition halls are ready to become a meeting place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and stories begin new journeys across borders.
From the moment visitors walk through the entrance, they will discover an atmosphere filled with creativity and inspiration. Hundreds of exhibitors representing publishing houses, creative studios, educational organizations, and content providers will showcase their latest publications and projects. Every aisle offers opportunities to discover remarkable books, meet publishing professionals, and gain insight into the latest developments shaping today’s global publishing industry.
Creativity remains at the heart of CCBF, and nowhere is this more evident than through its internationally recognized illustration programmes. The Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition continues to celebrate outstanding emerging artistic talent from around the world, while the Illustrators Avenue provides a vibrant platform where visitors can discover new creative voices and appreciate the artistry behind visual storytelling. These signature events have become highlights of the fair, attracting publishers seeking fresh talent and readers who admire the beauty of illustrated works.
Beyond publishing and illustration, CCBF encourages meaningful cultural exchange. The fair’s Children Plus Exhibition and various reading promotion activities invite visitors to experience literature in imaginative ways while highlighting the importance of creativity, education, and lifelong learning. Together, these programmes demonstrate how publishing continues to evolve through collaboration between authors, artists, educators, designers, and innovators from different cultural backgrounds.
The remarkable success of previous editions reflects CCBF’s growing influence on the international publishing stage. In 2025 alone, the fair welcomed 474 exhibitors from 35 countries and territories, including 194 international companies alongside 280 leading Chinese publishing organizations. More than 42,000 visitors, including nearly 16,000 publishing professionals, attended over the course of three days. These numbers illustrate not only the fair’s impressive scale but also its importance as a platform where publishing communities from around the world come together to exchange ideas and build lasting partnerships.
For authors, tomorrow presents an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the global publishing landscape. For illustrators, it is a chance to showcase creativity while discovering new artistic inspiration. For publishers and literary professionals, it is an opportunity to strengthen international relationships, explore emerging markets, and identify stories with the potential to reach readers far beyond their country of origin. Every visitor arrives with different goals, but they all share one common passion: a belief in the power of stories to educate, inspire, and connect people.
As Citi of Books prepares to join the international publishing community at CCBF 2026, we are excited to showcase the works of our talented authors while engaging with fellow publishers, literary professionals, and readers from around the world. We look forward to meaningful conversations, exciting discoveries, and opportunities that continue long after the exhibition concludes. Tomorrow, a new chapter begins—not only for the fair itself, but for every story waiting to find its next reader.
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