Emblazoned with the yearly motif, "Fragrance of Books Enriches Tianfu, Reforms Pioneer a New Phase," the 2024 Tianfu Book Fair ingeniously harnesses a multi-dimensional strategy: innovative integrated operations both domestically and internationally, the synthesis of physical and digital realms, the symbiosis of presentation and commerce, and the confluence of varied commercial endeavors. This fair extends its reach to satellite venues across nine sovereign nations - Germany, France, Panama, the United Kingdom, Italy, Indonesia, Venezuela, Greece, and Spain - and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. These peripheral galleries echo the cadences of the central stage, concurrently exhibiting a curated selection of over 150 Sichuan-native publications, comprising nearly 500 editions, encompassing thematic discourses, literary masterpieces, juvenile literature, culinary guides, and travel narratives. This concerted effort magnifies the Book Fair's circle of friends. In addition, the organizers orchestrate dynamic reader engagement, initiating experiential explorations of Chinese tradition and convivial sharing sessions, thereby unveiling the multifarious charms of Sichuan culture in a vivid tableau to the world.
Throughout its history, the panda, as a benevolent emissary of goodwill, has traversed myriad terrains, gracing an extensive tapestry of nations and regions. During the 2024 Tianfu Book Fair, the Panda Bookstore makes its international debut, with a captivating presence in the United Kingdom, France, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. It erects panda-themed exhibition zones within the Guanghua Bookstore in the UK, the Phoenix Bookstore in France, and the Yau Ma Tei branch of the Zhonghua Book Company in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. These panda-centric havens, ingeniously crafted to be a blend of culture and delight, transport readers into an immersive journey, where the charm and mystique of the beloved creature help enrich their cultural encounters.
The 2024 Tianfu Book Fair, a pivotal platform of cultural interchange, assiduously harnesses its role to galvanize international influence, amplifying its global resonance.
01
The German sub-venue—The Nouvelles D'Europe Cultural Center
On October 11, local time, the launch ceremony for the German sub-venue of the 2024 Tianfu Book Fair was held at the Nouvelles D'Europe Cultural Center in Frankfurt. This event was hosted by Xinhua Winshare Publishing and Media Co., Ltd and the China International Book Trading Corporation, and organized by China Books Europe, a direct affiliate of the China International Communications Group stationed in Europe, the Chinese Tourism Office in Frankfurt, and the Nouvelles D'Europe Cultural Media Group.
During the fair, the German sub-venue features designated zones for book displays, cultural and creative products, and Sichuan cultural experiences. Among the exhibits are notable titles such as "Memories of Tianfu," "Ancient Sichuan Three-Star Mound," "The Dream of Red Mansion," and "Sun Tzu's Art of War," alongside cultural and creative merchandise including Sichuan Opera masks and panda-themed goods.
02
The French Sub-Venue — The Phoenix Bookstore
Established in 1965, The Phoenix Bookstore, nestled in Paris, France, specializes in Chinese publications and fine arts, earning its distinction as one of the premier Chinese-language bookstores not only in France but across the European continent. Its current purview encompasses a broad spectrum of offerings, including textbooks and dictionaries for the instruction of the Chinese language, audiovisual products, and literature, history, philosophy, and art books in a trilingual format encompassing French, English, and Chinese.
During the span of the book fair, the French sub-venue orchestrated a series of captivating children's illustrated book reading events. In collaboration with local libraries and educational institutions, reading clubs were organized, meticulously designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
03
The Panamanian Sub-venue — Confucius Institute at the University of Panama
The Confucius Institute at the University of Panama was inaugurated in September, 2017. In 2020, the Confucius Institute in Panama applied to establish the Confucius Classroom at the International Culture School of Panama, envisaging the construction of specialized classrooms dedicated to Mandarin Chinese instruction.
During the book fair, the Panamanian sub-venue hosted a series of activities including the exhibition and sale of books and periodicals, as well as cultural salons.
04
The British Sub-venue — Guanghua Bookstore
Nestled in London's vibrant Chinatown since its establishment in 1971, Guanghua Bookstore stands as Britain’s pioneering Chinese bookstore, specializing in Chinese books and art pieces. Serving as a primary conduit for Chinese culture dissemination and catering to the needs of both the Chinese diaspora and British readers, it has become a critical cultural fulcrum in the UK.
During the book fair, the British sub-venue orchestrated a panoply of activities, encompassing the display and sale of a myriad of books and periodicals, complemented by cultural and creative merchandise, promotion of tourism and cultural events, calligraphy and painting competitions, and enticed participants with tastings of distinctively flavored Chinese culinary delights.
05
The Italian Sub-Venue — Confucius Institute at Sapienza University of Rome
The Confucius Institute at Sapienza University of Rome was inaugurated on the 29th of September, 2006, as a collaborative endeavor between Beijing Foreign Studies University and Sapienza University of Rome. It has since dedicated itself to constructing a robust platform for educational and cultural exchanges between China and Italy.
During the book fair, the Italian sub-venue was abuzz with an array of activities, staging the exhibition and sales of books, periodicals, and cultural and creative products, as well as travel and cultural promotions, and a photography exhibition.
06
The Indonesian Sub-Venue — The Confucius Institute at Al-Azhar University
Established on November 9, 2010, the Confucius Institute at Al-Azhar University, Jakarta, holds the distinction of being the vanguard among the constellation of six Confucius Institutes established under the collaborative efforts between Indonesia's Ministry of Education and Culture and the Confucius Institute Headquarters in China. Partnered with the Fujian Normal University in China, this institute serves as a beacon for the promotion of Chinese language and culture.
During the book fair, the Indonesian sub-venue orchestrated a series of activities, encompassing the exhibition and sales of books, periodicals, and cultural and creative products, as well as cultural salons.
07 The Venezuelan Sub-Venue — Booksflea Bookstore
Inaugurated in 2018, Booksflea was conceived with the vision of crafting an idyllic realm for avid readers and cultural connoisseurs. In 2023, the Booksflea Literary Café was launched, complementing the existing 500-square-meter repository of books that was opened to the public, thereby transforming Booksflea into the most expansive book exhibition space within the city of Valencia.
During the book fair, the Venezuelan sub-venue orchestrated a plethora of activities including the exhibition and sales of books, periodicals, cultural and creative products, cultural salons, and reading sharing sessions.
08
The Greek Sub-venue — Overseas Pandas Book House of the General Chamber of Commerce of Greeks of Chinese Descent
On May 23, 2023, the Overseas Pandas Book House, donated by the Sichuan Provincial Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and co-established with the General Chamber of Commerce of Greeks of Chinese Descent, was officially inaugurated and put into use at the headquarter of the chamber.
During the book exhibition, the Greek sub-venue showcased an array of books, periodicals, and cultural and creative products for display and sale.
09
The Spanish Sub-Venue — Confucius Institute in Madrid
The Madrid Confucius Institute, established in 2007, represents a cultural initiative jointly advocated by the Chinese and Spanish governments, with the commitment of fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. It has been instrumental in enhancing cultural exchanges and propelling bilateral cooperation.
During the book fair, the Spanish sub-venue hosted cultural salons and reading sharing activities.
10
The Hong Kong Sub-venue — The Yau Ma Tei Branch of Zhonghua Book Company
The Yau Ma Tei Branch of Zhonghua Book Company, standing as the grandest book emporium in the Kowloon District of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and a flagship store under United New Retail, has been a steadfast companion to the people of Hong Kong since its inception in 1979. Having served the community for nearly four and a half decades, this bookstore has not only catered to the needs of local residents but has also attracted a continuous flow of visitors who come in admiration of its reputation.
During the book exhibition, the Hong Kong sub-venue showcased and sold a wide range of books, periodicals, and cultural and creative products.
