The 2025 Shanghai Book Fair will run from Aug 13 to 19 at two main venues — the Shanghai Exhibition Center and Shanghai Book Mall — as well as at additional satellite locations and through online livestreaming.

This year, the fair introduces new initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience and broaden its cultural influence nationwide.

With 1,267 reading-themed events planned, a 23.8 percent increase from last year, visitors will find plenty to explore.

For the first time, daily reading coupons will be offered on Douyin and Meituan, providing 20 yuan ($2.78) off for every 50 yuan spent on books and 5 yuan off for every 15 yuan spent.

A major highlight is the debut of the outdoor Reading Night Market (阅界夜市), set around the fountain square and the east and west gardens of the exhibition center.

Running from Aug 13 to 18, the night market will be open daily from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, with extended hours until 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Visitors can explore a vibrant mix of cultural and creative stalls, handmade goods, novelty items, refreshing drinks, snacks, and nostalgic games like hopscotch and ring toss.

Fairgoers exiting via the Middle Yan'an Road gates can access the night market directly. Residents and tourists are welcome to enter through Gates 2 and 3 on Middle Yan’an Road after 9 pm.

Due to limited space, on-site parking is unavailable, and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.

However, partnering malls nearby, such as Jing'an Kerry Centre and CITIC Square, will offer two hours of complimentary parking when visitors present valid book fair tickets along with matching purchase receipts.

This year, Wuzhen in Zhejiang province will serve as a branch venue for the first time, combining the book fair's cultural resources with the ancient town's tourism appeal to expand the fair's national reach.

"We aim to turn the Shanghai Book Fair into a broad cultural platform that serves the entire country," said Zeng Yuan, director of the office for printing and distribution under the city's publicity department.

Hunan province will be the guest of honor, bringing over 4,000 titles from 12 publishing houses, as well as 50 cultural and creative products showcasing Hunan's local flavor.

Major publishers will also unveil extensive offerings.

China Publishing Group will present 4,000 new titles and host events featuring prominent authors such as Li Jingze, Su Tong, and Ge Jianxiong.

Shanghai Century Publishing Group, the city's largest publisher, will showcase 10,000 titles, including 2,000 new releases, and organize around 300 reading events.

A special section for 40,000 second-hand books will also be featured, offering readers even more to explore.