The 2023 Shanghai Book Fair, the 19th of its kind, opened on Wednesday at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

The annual culture feast offers 180,000 types of books from more than 350 publishers and 20 publishing groups.
"The book fair is a barometer of the publishing industry, and a searchlight for readers. The fair is based in Shanghai but has a nationwide influence," said He Kui, deputy editor-in-chief of the SDX Joint Publishing Company.
Running until Aug 22, the book fair will feature about 850 events to promote themed publications from China's leading publishers.
Sub-venues have also been set up in public libraries and physical bookstores across the city, creating an immersive book fair model that combines on-site and online activities.
"This year we have an innovation of combining online and offline experience. We are promoting our online reading service among visitors who come to our stand at the book fair," said Han Weidong, president of the Shanghai Translation Publishing House.
One of the highlights of the book fair is children's reading. The East China Normal University Press set up a special area for children with dinosaur-themed decorations to attract young readers.
"We focus on children's books and popular science books. We hope to provide children with different and immersive experience in the book fair with these special designs," said He Qunxing, Director of the Marketing Department from East China Normal University Press.