Shenzhen launches international reading week with concerts, Shakespeare events

Shenzhen Wednesday launched a week-long reading and cultural program featuring concerts, literary events and public workshops, as the city marked World Book Day and China’s first National Reading Week.

British soprano Catherine Hooper (R) and British pianist David Gray perform in a concert launching a week-long series of events marking World Book Day and China’s first National Reading Week at EON Books in Shenzhen Wednesday. Photos courtesy of event organizer

The “Reading Together, Seeing the World” initiative, organized by Shenzhen Publishing Group under the guidance of local authorities, runs through April 23 and is aimed at both residents and the city’s sizable expatriate community.

The opening event Wednesday featured a concert at EON Books, where British pianist David Gray, a professor at the Royal Academy of Music, performed alongside soprano Catherine Hooper. The performance combined piano and vocal works in a bookstore setting designed to bring audiences closer to live classical music.

British pianist David Gray plays the piano in the concert. British soprano Catherine Hooper sings during the concert. 

Two international students studying in Shenzhen recite spring-themed classical Chinese poetry during the lauch event Wednesday night. 

Events scheduled throughout the week include a Shakespeare-themed exhibition and a script-reading session April 23, marking the playwright’s birthday. Organizers said the program will showcase original English-language editions alongside Chinese translations of Shakespeare’s works, with live readings and performances developed in collaboration with the Antuoshan Public Cultural Center.

The program also includes hands-on workshops introducing traditional Chinese crafts, such as lacquer fan-making, as well as an English-language “open mic” session where participants present and discuss books of their choice. The activities are designed to encourage interaction between Chinese and international participants.

EON Books, the primary venue for the events, has introduced redesigned interior displays and themed installations inspired by literary works from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, in an effort to create a more internationally oriented reading environment.

China has in recent years promoted nationwide reading initiatives as part of broader efforts to expand public cultural services and encourage literary engagement.

A poster promotes a week-long program of events marking World Book Day and China’s first National Reading Week at EON Books in Shenzhen.