Book lover’s festival staged in a history buff’s venue

The annual Shanghai Book Fair was held this month in the Shanghai Exhibition Center, with more than 150,000 titles on display.

The center was chosen as the venue because of its beautiful structure and prime location.

Sandwiched between the Yan’an and Nanjing roads, the building’s architecture is one of the few throwbacks to the era of Soviet influence.

The complex was completed in 1955, thanks to the joint efforts of architects from China and the Soviet Union. It is modeled on St Petersburg’s Admiralty, with some Chinese political elements embedded in the décor.

The stately, historical setting complemented this year’s book fair, which ended on August 21 and focused on traditional Chinese literature. The sinology section featured more than 5,000 titles on Chinese classics and philosophy.

The highlight of the event was a display of 35 books dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), including thread-bound and wood-bound volumes. The ancient books were on loan from Shanghai Library’s storehouse of treasures.

Performances with traditional Chinese instruments, such as the Chinese zither and bamboo flute, were held at the event to create a vintage atmosphere.

“These books are so beautiful,” said a university student surnamed Gao. “I feel I am getting a look at ancient times.”

Zhang Qingheng from China Bookstore explained the history and crafts of these ancient books to readers.

“Our bookstore is famed for thread-bound books, but in previous book fairs we didn’t have space to highlight our treasures,” he said. “It’s so wonderful that this year we get that opportunity. It’s good to present China’s traditional book history and culture.” Readers who are interested can buy titles in the sinology section to take home.”

This year’s book fair also showcased more than 4,000 imported editions. Some publishers found creative ways to attract readers to original foreign editions.

Penguin Random House, for example, brought in four Japanese capsule-toy machines that dispensed badges bearing the titles of the publisher’s books to buyers as souvenirs. Harper Collins Publishers gave readers who bought Agatha Christie’s works gifts such as drinking mugs.

The Shanghai Book Fair has been held for 15 years. For many residents, it’s more than just another fair. It’s become a summer event not to be missed.

“It’s the one thing that we have to do in summer,” said Yang Leyu, a local middle school student. “I first came to the book fair when I just entered primary school. I have come every year.”

Shi Xiaocheng, 84, said he felt like he was visiting an old friend when he attended the fair.

“I am happy to be here whether I buy books or not,” he said. “It just makes me happy.”

Fu Jie, a Chinese-language professor at Fudan University, believed the fair is far superior.

“I’ve visited other book fairs, but none could compare with the Shanghai Book Fair,” he said. “No wonder it’s been so popular over so many years.”

The fair is also a place where like minds can meet and exchange ideas.

“Reading is a personal thing,” said Xu Jiong, head of the Shanghai Press and Publication Bureau. “When you find someone reading something that you also like, it’s the joy of finding a companion. The Shanghai Book Fair offers a platform for readers to meet one another. Maybe that’s the reason for its enduring popularity.”