Beijing is preparing to welcome book lovers across the capital for its annual citywide reading campaign week, running from April 20 to 26, 2026. Organizers have curated a diverse lineup of themed literary and cultural events spread across every urban district, designed to cater to a wide range of reading preferences and bring literature out of libraries and into public spaces.
In Dongcheng District, the historic Longfu Temple market will open a curated book fair, where attendees can browse new releases and browse physical copies while soaking up the iconic, beloved aroma of freshly printed books. Xicheng District is leaning into the seasonal spirit of spring with its ongoing Centennial Lilac Poetry Gathering, an event series that ties the soft fragrance of blooming lilacs to poetic appreciation, blending natural beauty with literary art.
For readers who prefer outdoor literary experiences, Chaoyang District has planned a series of relaxed reading sessions along the banks of the Liangma River, where attendees can enjoy leisurely reading with the gentle spring breeze off the water. In Haidian District, Beijing’s hub of higher education and scientific research, leading academicians and scientists will take part in a special book donation event, gifting their personal book collections to local public libraries to expand public access to academic and literary resources.
Beyond district-specific events, independent and chain bookstores across the entire city are hosting special literary exhibitions to coincide with the campaign week. A major recurring attraction, the annual Spring Book Market, will be open from April 18 to 26 across four iconic Beijing locations: Chaoyang Park, Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park, Shougang Park, and the Old Summer Palace. For those who cannot attend the main campaign week, a follow-up book display tour will run from April 26 to May 17, with booksellers setting up pop-up displays in top-tier shopping malls and leading universities across the capital, extending the celebration of reading to more Beijing residents and visitors.