Every great book begins with an idea, but every memorable reading journey begins with the opportunity to discover it. That is exactly what makes the Hong Kong Book Fair 2026 such a remarkable event. Bringing together readers, authors, publishers, educators, and literary professionals from around the world, the fair has become one of Asia’s premier celebrations of literature and publishing. More than an exhibition of books, it is a place where stories cross borders, ideas spark meaningful conversations, and new voices find readers eager to turn the very first page.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s fair takes place from July 15–21, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) under the inspiring theme, “Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys.” Alongside an impressive lineup of internationally renowned authors, cultural seminars, exhibitions, and interactive programs, the event continues to promote reading as a gateway to discovering different cultures and perspectives.
As the publishing industry continues to evolve, international book fairs remain essential spaces where creativity and collaboration meet. They provide authors with opportunities to introduce their work to wider audiences, while giving readers access to an extraordinary range of books that reflect diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you’re searching for an inspiring memoir, a compelling novel, an educational resource, or a beautifully illustrated children’s book, the Hong Kong Book Fair offers countless opportunities to discover stories that inform, entertain, and inspire.
For Citi of Books, participating in the Hong Kong Book Fair is more than showcasing publications on an international stage. It reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting authors throughout their publishing journey and connecting their work with readers across the globe. Every title displayed at our exhibit represents countless hours of creativity, dedication, and passion. We believe every author has a story worth sharing, and every reader deserves the opportunity to discover a book that leaves a lasting impression.
Among the titles proudly featured by Citi of Books this year is “James Legge and the Chinese Classics” by Marilyn Laura Bowman. This remarkable work exemplifies the diversity of voices that define our growing collection, offering readers a unique perspective through engaging storytelling, thoughtful insights, and a message that resonates beyond its final chapter. We are delighted to introduce this title to the international audience attending the Hong Kong Book Fair and invite visitors to experience the author’s work firsthand.
James Legge (1815-1897), was a great Scots scholar and missionary famed as a translator of the Chinese Classics when struggles between Britain and China included two wars.
It was an era of sailing ships, pirates, opium wars, the swashbuckling East India Company, cannibals eating missionaries, and the opening of Qing China to trade and ideas. Legge was vilified by fundamentalist missionaries who disagreed with his favourable views about Chinese culture and beliefs.
He risked beheading twice while helping Chinese individuals being terrorized during the Taiping Rebellion. He became so ill from Hong Kong fevers when only 29 that he was forced to return to the UK to save his life. Recovering, he and his three talented Chinese students attracted such interest that they were invited to a private meeting with Queen Victoria. Legge thrived despite serious illnesses, lost five of his 11 children and both wives to premature deaths, survived cholera epidemics, typhoons, and massive fires.
He was poisoned twice in a famous scandal, helped save a sailing ship from fire on the high seas, took in a bohemian Qing scholar on the run, foiled a bank-bombing plot, and earned enmity in the colony for providing court testimony about translation that favoured accused Chinese men rather than the colonial authorities. Legge’s resilient responses and incredible productivity reflected the passion he had developed at the age of 23 for understanding the culture of China. He retired to become a Fellow of Corpus Christi College and the first Professor of Chinese.
Marilyn Bowman was born in northern Alberta but soon showed a zest for the rest of the world. After an academic career starting with a McGill PhD during the exciting years of the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, she taught Psychology at Queens University in Kingston then Simon Fraser University in the Vancouver area. Her travels focused on the cultural mixing of Asia and Europe, including the lands of the Silk Road across Central Asia and the Himalayan kingdoms. She became fascinated with an amazing Scot, James Legge, by accident, leading to nearly 15 years of research in Oxford, London, and Hong Kong. She continues to travel to ancient cultures with long written histories, and enjoys reading first-contact books written by travellers to non-literate cultures.
As thousands of readers make their way through the exhibition halls this year, we warmly invite you to visit the Citi of Books exhibit and explore the many stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you are looking for your next unforgettable read, searching for fresh literary voices, or simply celebrating the joy of books, we look forward to welcoming you and sharing the stories that continue to connect readers around the world.
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