CRI听力:Hong Kong Book Fair

570 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions have gathered at the 25th Hong Kong Book Fair.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam says the book fair is not only a grand event in the city, but also for the whole of Asia.

"The importance of reading is often downgraded in the era of fast development of high technology. During the past 25 years, the Hong Kong Book Fair has been playing a constructive role in promoting reading. The events are becoming more diverse and attractive year on year and create a strong cultural environment. It has become an important platform for cultural exchange for Hong Hong, for the Greater China Region, as well as for overseas friends."

The book fair is crowded with local residents and tourists who are looking for good books with good prices.

"I am from Shenzhen. There is a wide range of authors and books here, that's why I come. We have material well being but we need to take care of our mental health as well. "

"I come to the book fair every year. There are all kinds of books so it's convenient, I don't have to travel far to search for the books I want."

A section of books featuring Hong Kong trams, Cantonese slang, and local history have attracted many readers.

Cher Chu, assistant marketing manager at Chung Hwa Book Corporation, says Hong Kong people are becoming more aware and cherishing of their culture and language.

"This type of book is becoming increasingly popular among locals recently. Both old people and young students appreciate local culture. We have books with serious topics. For example, regarding the change of Hong Kong's coastline after reclaiming land for sea. There are interesting books too, with cartoons to introduce some old industries and old toys in Hong Kong that no longer exist. "

Hong Kong stories are not only told by Chinese writers through their eyes.

Foreigners also write about Hong Kong from their perspectives.

French writer Francois Dremeaux tells the bauhinia story, the flower as represented on the flag of Hong Kong, with French connections.

"A priest, in 1888, he saw a flower that was about to extinct in Hong Kong. He conservated the flower and he grew it. Because he saved the flower from extinction, in 1965, the British people you know chose it to be on the Hong Kong flag."

More than 300 cultural events will take place during the week-long book fair, which draws together dozens of renowned writers from the mainland and Taiwan as well, including Yan Geling, Yan Lianke and Li'ao. English writers from the States, France, Britain and other countries will also hold a handful of seminars and lectures to talk about reading and writing.

For CRI, this is Li Jing.