Chinese Book Fair: Bridging cultures through literature

THE 2025 South Africa-Cape Town Chinese Theme Book Fair officially opened, bringing a vibrant celebration of literature and cultural exchange to the city.

- WENDY DONDOLO

The event, held in Cape Town last week, aims to deepen the connection between China and South Africa through the power of books.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Li Nan, who chaired the meeting on behalf of the Chinese Publishing Delegation, emphasised the role of books as a “bridge to promote mutual understanding and communication between different countries and different nations.”

“We are especially proud to present this China-Cape Book Fair, adding brilliant hues to this already vibrant bridge of cultural change,” Li stated.

“Through these books, we hope to build a bridge that crosses time and space, so that South African friends can get to know China better, and so that the Chinese people can better understand South Africa and African culture”