The city of Baotou, Inner Mongolia is holding a second preparation meeting for the upcoming 26th National Book Expo, on May 26-27.

Organizers of the event describe their progress so far, including in venue decorations, booth arrangements, and guest list, as a positive sign of what they hope will be a grand affair for book lovers and dealers.

This expo, held annually since 1980, is seen by some as a sort of weather vane to tell the country's developments in publishing and as a major event in itself. It will open in this coming July 28-30.