People visit a previous Shanghai Book Fair. The annual event has become one of the largest celebrations of reading and publications in the country. [Photo by GAO ERQIANG/CHINA DAILY]

"Most of these stores have special spaces reserved for book signings and reading events," he says.

"It is our mission to make sure authors and resources are allocated to different parts of the city and offer the widest possible access to the reading public."

More than 30 overseas writers will be in Shanghai to participate in the International Literary Week, a festival that has been a regular part of the book fair since 2011. This year, authors will share their understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative at about 40 lectures, dialogues and other events, under the theme of "Why We Travel".

Additionally, more than 500 new titles will be launched during the Shanghai Book Fair this year, according to Peng Weiguo, deputy director of the municipal administration of press and publication. Among them are heavyweight academic publications of national impact, as well as new novels from celebrated authors.

This year, for the first time, a Chinese-studies pavilion will be set up at the book fair, Peng says. Classical Chinese books from more than 50 specialized publishing houses will be showcased at the pavilion. And a scholar will give a lecture on Chinese studies there every day during the book fair.