How the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition rekindled a love of reading and drew 580,000

At a time of constant digital distraction, the 34th Taipei International Book Exhibition, held Feb. 3-8, drew 580,000 visitors, including large numbers of Gen Z readers from home and abroad.

A landmark turnout that is “Thai” bien

This year’s Taipei International Book Exhibition (TiBE), held from Feb. 3 to Feb. 8 at the Taipei World Trade Center, cemented its position as one of Asia’s preeminent literary gatherings. Over six days, the fair welcomed 580,000 visitors, the highest attendance in the post-pandemic era and exceeding last year’s 570,000.

The event featured 509 publishers from 29 countries, showcasing a stellar array of books and multimedia content. More than 1,460 authors, both domestic and international, participated in talks, panels, and signings, while organizers facilitated 1,301 reading promotion activities and 1,853 copyright meetings, underscoring the fair’s dual role as both a cultural festival and a professional marketplace.

Thailand served as this year’s Guest of Honor again. Previous featured countries include Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, France, South Korea and Germany.

With this year’s theme “CreaTHAIvity,” TiBE offered a vibrant showcase of contemporary Thai literature, creative culture and even culinary arts. Various Thai publishing voices were woven into the broader international dialogue.

TiBE also arranged lectures and cultural experience activities, including ones designed to engage “all five senses,” the organizers said, positioning literature as a bridge for cultural exchange between Taiwan and Thailand.

Wang, an undergraduate student studying sociology, told TCN that she was particularly drawn to Thailand’s booth not only for its striking design but also for the insight it offered into contemporary Thai reading tastes. “You get a glimpse of what people in Thailand are actually reading now,” she said. She also expressed her love for the Hakka pavilion where a number of publications in the Hakka language was presented.

Government support and cultural diplomacy

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) spoke at the opening ceremony, using his remarks to elevate the cultural stakes of the exhibition. Lai highlighted the importance of reading in cultural cultivation, citing a globally renowned Taiwanese architect’s experience where he raised his children in a TV-free household where books abound.

He further stated that TiBE gives Taiwanese readers a chance to better understand the cultures of different themed countries each year.

He added that while he was enjoying such a cultural feast, he reckoned that the world would be a much better place were it not for the aggression of authoritarian regimes that pose a threat to their neighbors.

Novelist-turned Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) said in his opening remarks that TiBE helps foster international cultural exchange. He said that through TiBE, the best authors around the world are invited to Taiwan, while Taiwan’s literature, comics and picture books can reach international audiences.

He also said that Narong Boonsatheanwong, the Executive Director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office and the de-facto ambassador of Thailand to Taiwan, told him that while people once confused Taiwan with Thailand, more people now think of Taiwan when Thailand is mentioned.

Li pointed out that TiBE has developed a unique and internationally recognized tradition: The president and premier always attend, not only to tour the fair but also to share their book recommendations. He promised that in the future, Taiwan will continue to "join hands with other countries to enjoy culture."

Younger readers and Gen Z’s evolving engagement

One of the most notable features of TiBE 2026 was the marked presence of younger audiences, particularly Gen Z readers.

Organizers built programming that went beyond traditional book displays, incorporating interactive elements, digital storytelling, and cross-media showcases. For many younger visitors, the draw was not only the books but also the shared spaces they created — forums and salons where curiosity sparked conversation.

Wang told TCN this was her fifth time attending TiBE. She highlighted the exhibition’s evolving diversity, stating that this year she observed a noticeable increase in booths dedicated to religious themes, alongside displays representing a wider range of ideological positions.

“I think that’s a beautiful thing,” she said, adding that such plurality creates space for dialogue in a democratic society.

She said research has found that young people read less than older generations, but she argued it is not a lack of interest. Instead, she said, people of all ages increasingly struggle to find uninterrupted time to read.

She said short breaks are now being filled by scrolling through social media — a trend not exclusive to younger generations — and that reduced reading can be seen across age groups. With the right atmosphere and incentives such as author signings and public talks, she said Gen Z would continue go come to book exhibitions and read voraciously.

Chen, a university philosophy student, told TCN that for Gen Z, reading functions less as a default habit and more as a form of aesthetic choice or experiential pursuit. With knowledge now accessible through AI tools, social media, search engines, podcasts and long-form video platforms, books are no longer the sole, or even primary, gateway to information.

“The internet allows people to get what they need almost instantly,” she said, noting that the rise of short-form video and increasingly fragmented content has made attention a scarce resource. In this regard, reading becomes a deliberate act: A way to reclaim calm and sustained focus rather than merely to acquire facts, which she enjoys dearly.

Chen said she had attended TiBE in previous years, and that she has always regretted missing it when she could not come.