The 2026 Beijing International Book Fair was held at the China National Convention Centre on June 17 featuring more than 1,700 exhibitors from 82 countries and regions, making it one of Asia’s largest book fairs. 

Notably, Chinese book retailer Sisyphe has attracted visitors, offering a reading space where visitors can immerse themselves in a world filled with celebrity authors, interactive reading experiences powered by artificial intelligence and a selection of beautifully designed books. The booth aims to bring the joys of sustained reading back into contact with its readers.

Established in 1993, Sisyphe has always prioritised the idea of “participating in the local cultural life and accompanying the public to quality reading”.

The company currently has more than 85 cities throughout China with more than 500 stores, over 5,000 employees and more than 11 million active members. It has long-term ties with more than 50 commercial systems, more than 500 publishing houses and many cultural institutions and hosts hundreds of literary and cultural events every year.

This year’s show highlights include the work of Twinstone, the in-house publishing and book-planning arm of Sisyphe. The exhibition covers classic books from around the world, traditional Chinese literary works, children’s books and innovative concept books, and demonstrates the company’s increasingly prominent position in the content creation field. So far, Twinstone has partnered with more than 20 publishers to create more than 50 bespoke editions, highlighting Sisyphe’s comprehensive expertise in the publishing process, from editorial planning, title selection and design through to print.

This is also the first time a new set of publications has been released to mark the 140th anniversary of American poet Emily Dickinson‘s death, with I Hide Myself within My Flowers, a commemorative poetry volume, and a deluxe gilt-edged hardcover format edition of Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights.

The fair is designed to make an impression on the visitors and inspire them to take some time off and enjoy books again in today’s fast-paced world, Sisyphe hopes.