The world takes a shine to Chinese literary culture

A visitor seeks information at the China Guest of Honor pavilion. [Photo by Mei Jia/China Daily]

China's involvement as guest of honor at BookExpo America (BEA) has been seen as the beginning of enhanced Sino-American cultural exchanges, especially in publishing, as well as having far-reaching influences on the global appeal of Chinese literature.

The latest data from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television shows that during the event Chinese publishers signed deals to sell 1,328 copyrights to foreign markets while buying in 462 works.

International publishing consultant Ruediger Wischenbart said China hosted its biggest pavilion at the Expo, offering an experience of Chinese literary tastes through many events.

"It was like three weeks in one day," Wischenbart said. "China showed its diversity in publishing".

The Expo, one of the publishing world's key trade fairs, saw publishers, authors, librarians and retailers discuss the latest updates and new titles.

At the invitation of BEA organizer, China featured as Global Market Forum and guest of honor for the first time and sent a delegation of 500 publishing professionals and 25 top writers for the more than 130 events presented in New York and other US cities.