Beyond bookshelves, a celebration of reading culture

The 2026 Beijing International Book Fair opened on Wednesday at the China National Convention Center, drawing more than 1,700 exhibitors from 82 countries and regions for one of Asia's most influential publishing events.

Among the standout attractions, Chinese bookstore chain Sisyphe has drawn crowds with an immersive reading space featuring celebrity author signings, AI-powered interactive experiences and a curated collection of beautifully designed books. The booth is designed to reconnect visitors with the simple pleasure of focused, uninterrupted reading.

Founded in 1993, Sisyphe has long championed the philosophy of "participating in shaping local cultural life and guiding the public toward quality reading".

Today, the company operates over 500 stores across 85 cities in China, employs more than 5,000 people, and serves a membership base of more than 11 million active readers. It maintains long-term partnerships with more than 50 commercial systems, over 500 publishing houses, and numerous cultural institutions, while hosting hundreds of literary and cultural events each year.

A centerpiece of this year's exhibition is the work of Twinstone, Sisyphe's in-house publishing and book-planning brand. The showcase spans classic world literature, traditional Chinese works, children's books and innovative concept titles, highlighting the company's growing role in content development. To date, Twinstone has collaborated with over 20 publishers to produce more than 50 customized editions, showcasing Sisyphe's full-spectrum capabilities across the entire publishing process, from title selection and editorial planning to design and print production.

The fair also marks the debut of two new releases: I Hide Myself within My Flowers, a commemorative poetry collection published to mark the 140th anniversary of American poet Emily Dickinson's death, and a deluxe gilt-edged hardcover edition of Emily Bronte's classic novel Wuthering Heights.

Through its presence at the fair, Sisyphe hopes to encourage visitors to slow down, immerse themselves in books and rediscover the enduring joy of reading in an increasingly fast-paced world.