Exhibition tells rural China's reading stories to the world

An exhibition titled Listening to Young Readers: Voices from Rural China opened in Ottawa, Canada, on Wednesday, offering international visitors a vivid look at how literature and art are transforming the lives of children in rural China.

Through photographs, videos and original publications, including a selection of contemporary Chinese picture books, the exhibition showcased China's efforts to promote reading in rural communities and expand access to public cultural services.

The exhibition also featured a "book-drifting" program that has delivered books to over 80,000 children in rural China across 20 provinces since its launch in April 2025, helping fulfill their reading wishes. Nearly 100 wish cards handwritten by the children were displayed at the venue.