Expanding horizons

　　For the last decade the Beijing book festival has been a staple for the capital, serving as a haven for literature lovers and a platform for publishers to get the word out. This year is the 10th iteration, and the festival has had to step up its game to keep ever demanding fans happy.

"The festival does offer opportunities for bookworms like me, and it's always pleasant to discover new books," said Hu Xin, a 24-year-old book lover and student. "I've been to many book festivals but there's rarely anything new and publishers just use them as a chance to promote themselves."

Hosted by 13 different city authorities, the festival had seen nine years of reasonable success as a small local event. It's thanks to that success that they decided to broaden the scope and become the Beijing International Book Festival.

This year, more than 300 publishing companies and institutes will bring 300,000 books on all subjects to the capital's literary lovers. The schedule also includes 13 unique exhibitions and will host each of the eight days along a different theme.

Rather than inviting foreign writers and playing to the expat crowd, the festival's international aspect is focused on "internationalizing" the locals. Around 10,000 foreign language books will be available to help teach festival goers about the history and civilization of other countries.

"It seems the spotlight always falls on writers and publishers at these festivals, and people forget that the readers are the important ones," said Zhang Yixian, 28, a business consultant who has visited the event before. "I bet the writers feel like that as well, they're not only coming for publicity but are also eager to listen to the readers and vice versa."

Zhang may be about to get his wish. The festival, keeping a Beijing focus, will present a number of crafts preserved as intangible cultural heritage, including Beijing Pingshu (storytelling), and will host talks and discussions by famous Chinese thinkers including Yan Chongnian, Wang Liqun and Zhang Yiwu.

Moreover, with the support of some foreign embassies, a "recommend good books to Chinese readers" event will take place, with embassy staff being given the chance to make the case for their country's works.

Ambassadors and staff from the French, Czech, Greek, Italian, Polish and New Zealand embassies will also be participating, and will be able to show off some gems, both literary and otherwise, from their respective civilizations. The Greek pavilion will also be hosting an exhibition on the Parthenon.

Other attractions due to take place include an interactive pavilion for children and adults of all ages to learn about the wonders of printing, offering a complete history of the process, and showcasing cutting edge green printing technology. The section will also include instruction on the first ever form of block printing, invented in China in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The book festival announced in a press release that it was stepping up the activities for this year, and if everything goes according to plan, it looks like the fans won't be disappointed.　

"Real book lovers are always willing to share," added Hu, "it will be even better if they can start this as a forum for book lovers. This is what a book festival does; provide chances for readers to exchange experiences."

Where: Ditan Park, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District

When: May 18 to 27

Tickets: 5 Yuan