The 33rd National Book Trade Fair raised its curtain on Friday in Chongqing, Southwest China, drawing nearly 1,000 publishers from domestic and international arenas. The event showcases over 1 million titles, available both online and offline.

This year's book fair theme is "A Bibliophilic China: The Beauty of Reading", which will run until Monday. The Chongqing International Expo Center serves as the main venue and features nine special exhibitions, including the publishing achievements in the Party's innovative theories, national fine books, an exhibition focusing on popular bookstores, and one highlighting Chinese grottoes and temples.

The expo also offers hundreds of unique cultural activities — a Readers' Conference that invites renowned authors to engage in discussions and share insights with readers, and interactive events such as new book launches, celebrity interviews, and reader meet-and-greets held across the city.

One of the highlights is the Old Books, New Knowledge exhibition, which offers old books and ancient documents for sale, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and services for appraising and exchanging old books.

In the exhibition area focusing on the published works of Chinese grottoes and temples, VR technology will be used for visitors to virtually explore cultural heritage sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and Mogao Caves.

The National Book Trade Fair was established in 1980. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple book trading event into a major cultural festival, integrating the exhibition and sales of publications, information exchange, industry discussions, and the promotion of reading.