The 2017 South China Book Festival, an event aimed at promoting reading and showcasing Lingnan culture, is due to be held in southern Chinese city of Guangzhou from Aug 10 to 14.

The 2017 South China Book Festival will be held in Guangzhou from July 10 to 14, according to a press conference held on July 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

Under the theme of "Take reading as an attitude", the festival will be held in China Import and Export Fair Complex.

The main venue for the event, which covers an area of 40,000 square meters, will feature a total of 280 exhibitions and activities as well as more than 350 famous writers and distinguished guests in attendance.

A total of 13 sub-sessions will be held at the same time in 13 cities in Guangdong province including Zhuhai, Foshan, Shaoguan and Zhongshan, to promote reading across Guangdong.

The highlights of this year's book festival include the Southern Publishing and Media Summit, the ceremony for the Flower City Literary Award and a reading competition and reading-themed poster design competition. Over 200 renowned writers will also give lectures and hold book signing events at the festival.

For those after a bargain, on the evening of Aug 13, a cut-price sale will take place allowing visitors to purchase book at heavily reduced prices, as well as enjoy opera shows, street dance and cosplay performances. 

Children and their parents enjoy reading together at the 2016 South China Book Festival. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]