People perform a dance showcasing bamboo weaving, an intangible cultural heritage item. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

The Fujian Conference on Reading and the National Reading Alliance series of events in Changtai district, Zhangzhou, Fujian province, were launched on April 23 to celebrate the 29th World Reading Day.

The main objective of the event is to promote and preserve Zhangzhou's rich traditional culture, promote reading, and foster a social environment that encourages reading.

The launch ceremony featured a range of performances with deep cultural significance, including a dance showcasing bamboo weaving, an intangible cultural heritage item. Furthermore, Guangming Daily Press has recognized a new batch of Guangming Book Bars in Changtai district, and Straits Publishing and Distributing Group has generously donated a collection of books.

The event also included five distinct markets: a book market, a cultural and creative market, a book exchange market, a reading market, and an interactive market, providing a comprehensive display of the vibrant reading atmosphere in Zhangzhou.

During the event, the Changtai district library, in collaboration with Xinhua Bookstore and other partners, organized a book promotion activity featuring 20 booths primarily showcasing and selling intangible cultural heritage items and other creative products, such as paper-cutting and wood engraving New Year's paintings.

Additionally, six book exchange booths were set up, allowing citizens to swap their unused books. Various interactive activities, including author book signings, bookmark designing activities, calligraphy copying activities, lantern riddle competitions, and more, were held, fully immersing participants in traditional Chinese culture.

The event coincided with the fourth regional tourism development conference in Changtai district and an intangible cultural heritage festival, offering a range of supporting activities and providing the public with a cultural and tourism extravaganza right at their doorstep.

Changtai district, a thousand-year-old town, has long cherished literature and reading, showcasing its profound humanistic legacy.

Students participate in the event. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]