As the world celebrates the 31st World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, 2026, cultural and educational leaders across Asia are highlighting literature's unique power to connect generations and civilizations. This year's observance comes as reading habits show remarkable growth in the Chinese mainland, with the latest National Reading Survey revealing 82.3% of adults now engage in regular reading.
Digital innovation has transformed reading accessibility, yet the survey shows traditional books remain cherished – Chinese adults read an average of 8.39 physical and digital books annually. The trend starts young, with 86.7% of minors under 18 reading nearly 12 books yearly. "In our fast-paced digital era, deep reading becomes both a refuge and a revolutionary act," noted one Beijing-based education specialist.
Three influential figures shared their current book recommendations with CGTN, spanning themes of cultural heritage and human resilience. A tech CEO championed a novel about artificial intelligence ethics, while a environmental activist endorsed memoirs of grassroots conservation efforts. A Nobel laureate in literature recommended historical fiction exploring Silk Road exchanges.
UNESCO's annual celebration coincides with growing copyright protection efforts across Asia. The Chinese mainland recently implemented new digital copyright verification systems, ensuring creators receive proper recognition – a development particularly crucial for the region's booming e-book market.
