The 2024 China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) will take place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 15 to 17. Over the past decade, China’s children’s book market has experienced rapid expansion and growth. Now, the industry is poised for a new wave of transformative changes. At this pivotal moment, innovation in content creation, industry advancement, and channel transformation is essential. Serving as a vital bridge between international and domestic markets, and connecting industry professionals with the public, CCBF will once again leverage its influence this year to infuse fresh energy into the children’s book sector. By doing so, CCBF aims to further strengthen the industry’s problem-solving and innovation capabilities, supporting its ongoing growth and evolution.
Approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration, the CCBF is jointly organised by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., co-organised by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. and powered by BolognaFiere S.p.A.
As the Asia-Pacific region’s leading exhibition focused on children’s book publishing and content for ages 0-16, the 2024 CCBF will gather 497 domestic and international exhibitors from 32 countries and territories, covering an exhibition area of 25,000 square meters. The fair is divided into a Copyright Zone and a Hybrid Zone. The Copyright Zone is exclusively dedicated to facilitating copyright exchange and international collaboration for children’s books, and it is open exclusively to industry professionals. The Hybrid Zone encompasses rights trading, marketing, distribution, channel development, promotion, and retail. The Hybrid Zone will be open to professionals on November 15 and to a broader audience from November 16-17. The CCBF strives to further establish itself as a leading platform in the children’s book fair industry. This occasion will bring together professionals, including publishers, copyright agents, authors, and distributors from around the globe. Over 20,000 new children’s books from both domestic and international markets will be showcased, alongside more than 200 professional exchange sessions and reading promotion activities addressing topics across the entire spectrum of the children’s content industry. This collaborative effort is poised to engage an estimated audience of 45,000 attendees.
With the theme Embracing the Future, the CCBF has become an indispensable player in the development process of China’s children’s publishing industry. For over a decade, this platform has ushered numerous high-quality Chinese children’s books and cross-sector collaboration projects onto the global stage. The Fair's international reach has steadily expanded, fuelled by a rich array of practical professional activities, innovative exhibitions, forward-thinking exchanges, and meaningful collaborations each year, all of which enhance its global impact. Meanwhile, it has also emerged as an ‘exemplary’ cultural brand of this international cultural metropolis, Shanghai.
International Exhibitors Make a Strong Comeback, New Zones Amplify Attraction
With more than a decade of experience, the CCBF continues to deepen its brand building and implement strategic upgrades, aspiring to become a global beacon in the children’s book industry. Centred around international vision, professional guidance, and public demand, the fair persistently innovates in function, brand positioning, layout, and content. Its increasing international flair and brand influence have cemented its status as a critical and recognized platform within the industry.
The 2024 CCBF will feature 180 international exhibitors, representing publishing and cultural organizations from countries such as Argentina, the UAE, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Poland, Germany, Russia, France, South Korea, Canada, the Czech Republic, Morocco, Malaysia, Nepal, the United States, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Spain, Singapore, Italy, India, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Turkey. Featured areas like the Bologna Best Children’s Publishers (BOP) Lounge, the Strega Prize Lounge, and the Rights Centre are returning. Another highlight this year is the Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge, showcasing distinguished publishers from the region with editorial excellence. Additionally, the Original Edition Books Centre is established for the first time, providing attendees with a procurement platform for globally selected and award-winning original books.
Leading publishers and exceptional enterprises focused on children’s content in China, such as China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., Shanghai Century Publishing (Group) Co., Ltd., China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., China Children’s Press & Publication Group, CITIC Press Group, 21st Century Publishing Group, Jieli Publishing House, Anhui Children’s Publishing House, Zhejiang Publishing United Group, Phoenix Juvenile and Children’s Publishing Ltd., New Buds Publishing House, Hunan Juvenile & Children’s Press, Xinjiang Juveniles Publishing House, Changjiang Children’s Press, Post Wave Kids, Dandelion Children’s Book House, Lelequ, Dolphin Media, Thinkingdom Children’s Books, littlebean, Jojo Reading, New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., Shanghai Ximalaya Technology Co., Ltd., and ihuman, will gather for deep business dialogues and exchanges.
Enhancing Professional Foundations, Focusing on Children’s Publishing Industry Trends
The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair upholds its mission of knowledge exchange and exploration, emphasizing the comprehensive development of the children’s publishing industry. Through four key sections—conference and seminars, competitions, communities, and special exhibitions—the CCBF consistently channels outstanding content creators into the publishing sector, offering insights into the latest trends and business practices.
This year, the CCBF will host 10 high-calibre professional events, featuring 95 industry experts from around the globe, covering academic research, commercial practice, and innovative thinking to provide a multifaceted view of global industry trends. The “International Children’s Book Publishers Dialogue” is a newly curated annual brand event of the fair. Approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), it is co-organised by the Children’s Books Working Committee of the Publishers Association of China, the Chinese Board on Books for Young People (CBBY), the CCBF Organizing Committee, and Shanghai Century Publishing (Group) Co., Ltd. It will bring together global children’s book publishers and experts to share the latest market trends and developments in children’s book publishing. “The Sustainable Development of Children’s Reading Spaces and Bookstores” seminar invites children’s book experts, library directors, bookstore operators, and publishers from various countries and territories to share advanced experiences and practices in designing reading spaces and managing bookstores. The seminar titled “Opportunities and Challenges Brought by AI to the Children’s Publishing Industry” will gather leading figures in global children’s book publishing, digital publishing, media executives, and international copyright agents to analyse the future and challenges of integrating AI technology with the children’s book industry. The “Transformation and Reshaping of Children’s Publishing” seminar will explore channel innovation in the children’s publishing market.
During the “Award Winners’ Series — Picture Books and the Art of Omission,” the Caldecott Medal winner Jon Klassen will share his creation techniques and experiences. French children’s book author Cécile Alix will discuss the role of children’s books in social-emotional learning (SEL) at the seminar “Understanding Yourself and Others — The Role of Children’s Books in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).”
The 2024 CCBF places a special emphasis on fashion-themed picture books with the special exhibition “2024 Children Plus: A Fabulous Wardrobe. Fashion, Clothing and Threads in Children’s Picture Books”. Supported by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and curated by an international team, the exhibition will showcase 150 selected picture books from domestic and international publishers. It aims to inspire children’s creativity, enhance their interest in culture and art, and convey the ideas of heritage and innovation by blending books with traditional crafts. As an extension of this special exhibition, the CCBF will host the seminar “A Fabulous Wardrobe: Threads of Imagination. Where Children’s Books Meet Textiles and Fashion,” engaging curators, picture book researchers, international award-winning illustrators, and renowned children’s book publishers in discussions and exchanges.
To mark the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s passing, the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, in collaboration with Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Cooperativa Giannino Stoppani, and Accademia Drosselmeier, will present two themed events. The “Marco Polo. Traveller, merchant, storyteller” children’s picture book special exhibition will feature 50 books depicting Marco Polo’s legendary journey. Additionally, renowned Italian historian Prof. Alessandro Barbero will deliver an intriguing academic lecture on how Marco Polo’s travelogue “The Travels of Marco Polo” transcends time, becoming a legendary work of fantasy for future generations.
Gathering Global Emerging Forces, Creating an incubator for Young Illustrators
Since its inception in 2015, the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition has become one of the most renowned competitions for young illustrators globally. Since 2023, the organising committee launched a new category—Commercial, in addition to the original submission category—Book Publishing, offering illustrators an international platform to demonstrate their talents. This year’s competition received entries from 2,228 illustrators from 72 countries and territories across six continents, totalling 2,584 submissions. These include 2,050 submissions for the Book Publishing category and 534 for the Commercial category, amounting to 14,067 illustrations in total. Compared to 2023, the total number of works increased by 10.7%. Seventy shortlisted entries, carefully selected by eight experienced judges from the global illustration field, will be exhibited at the 2024 CCBF.
The Illustrators Survival Corner, co-created with Mimaster Illustrazione, will present tailor-made activities for illustrators, picture book editors, and picture book enthusiasts. These include 10 masterclasses, 8 workshops, and 30 one-on-one portfolio reviews, designed to better assist young illustrators in showcasing their talents, improving their skills, inspiring creativity, and engaging in networking and business discussions.
In addition to a series of professional activities, the CCBF will also host a variety of public events, such as book recommendations, opportunities to meet authors, and the “Connecting the City” project. Collaborating with partners to promote nationwide reading, the fair aims to provide a diversified reading and cultural experience for the public.
Entry and Ticketing Information
The CCBF implements a real-name entry system, requiring all attendees to purchase tickets and carry valid identification (such as an ID card, passport, or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Residents) for entry. Professionals working in industries related to children’s publishing, education, entertainment, and other children’s content fields can pre-register via the CCBF’s free professional visitor online registration system and obtain a confirmation letter upon approval. Public tickets are available through the official ticketing platform, Maoyan Entertainment.
Since its establishment in 2013, the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair has become a significant event in the global children’s book publishing industry. The fair is not only a platform for exhibiting and trading children’s book products but also a crucial force in advancing the development and cultural exchange in the global children’s book publishing industry. By fostering international cooperation, enhancing cultural diversity, and stimulating market innovation, it plays a vital role in the development of the global children’s book sector. The 2024 CCBF will showcase China’s capability in children’s book innovation and lay a solid foundation for future international collaborations. Through this platform, we look forward to continuing to promote exchange and cooperation among global children’s book industry professionals, embracing future challenges and opportunities together!
