Reading is Amazing: CreaTHAIvity Energizes Cultural Exchange Across Taiwan

Under the core slogan “Reading is Amazing,” the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition transformed reading into a nationwide cultural celebration. With Thailand as Guest of Honor under the theme “CreaTHAIvity,” the exhibition showcased the diversity and contemporary vitality of Thai publishing while energizing readers across generations.

The Thailand Pavilion attracted more than 200,000 visits over six days. Its programming ranged from literature and comics to BL fiction, film-related discussions, culinary demonstrations, and cross-cultural dialogue. Author talks were overwhelmingly well attended, with sessions consistently reaching full capacity and generating vibrant interaction between writers and readers.

The BL phenomenon drew particularly enthusiastic audiences, reflecting strong interest in Thai popular literature and contemporary storytelling. Many readers not only purchased Thai titles but also expressed growing interest in Thai language learning and cultural engagement.

Beyond the Guest of Honor program, the exhibition strengthened its commitment to reading promotion. The educational initiative “寒假趣書展Let’s Go & Have Fun at TIBE” welcomed 166 school groups, bringing 4,308 students, teachers, and parents to the fair. Participation subsidies supported schools from remote areas around Taiwan, ensuring broader access to publishing resources and cultural experience.

The Children’s Pavilion engaged more than 5,000 young participants through interactive workshops and creative activities. Meanwhile, the Digital Pavilion explored evolving forms of literacy in the AI era, allowing visitors to transform their voices into generative visual installations — a multisensory reading experience combining sight, sound, and interaction.

With strong international programming, active professional exchange, and vibrant public participation, the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition demonstrated how reading continues to connect industry, culture, and community — turning the fair into a shared cultural moment across Taiwan.