The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF): The joy of reading
Founded in 2001, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) stands as a beacon for book enthusiasts, writers, and storytellers. As it celebrates its silver jubilee in 2026, HKILF continues to adapt and flourish, embracing the digital age and navigating changing cultural landscapes.
Canadian illustrator and author Josée Bisaillon, HKILF 2023
Inspire, engage and connect
With its mission to “inspire the joy of reading by bringing the world’s writers and stories to Hong Kong’s diverse communities,” the HKILF offers a rich array of activities, including engaging panel discussions, enlightening book talks, hands-on workshops, captivating performances, cultural walks, and other special events. The festival aims to connect audiences with both established and emerging writers from around the globe.
The Young Readers Festival 2025 Highlights
The Young Readers Festival (YRF)
Launched in 2012 as the Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival, the event has grown into a key initiative for cultivating literacy, fostering creative writing, and encouraging global perspectives among students. The YRF focuses on young audiences, bringing acclaimed authors, illustrators, and storytellers into schools and communities.
Beyond school visits, the festival nurtures young talent with engaging activities such as poetry contests, student story slams where youth showcase their own writing, and exciting competitions reminiscent of “Battle of the Books.”
Travel writer Pico Iyer, HKILF 2019
A stellar lineup
Over the years, the HKILF has proudly welcomed literary giants like Margaret Atwood, Amy Tan, Neil Gaiman, Pico Iyer, Yann Martel, and David Sedaris, each drawing impressive crowds.
Recent highlights feature Kevin Kwan, renowned for Crazy Rich Asians, alongside Jonathan Kaufman and Julia Donaldson, combining mainstream appeal with thought-provoking narratives.
Japanese author Asako Yuzuki, HKILF 2025
In 2025, Bernardine Evaristo’s discussion of her memoir Manifesto: On Never Giving Up was a standout moment, complemented by Asako Yuzuki’s reflections on her Waterstones Book of the Year winner Butter. These authors don’t just present their work; they also engage in meaningful conversations that address pressing global issues, from identity and gender to technology and sustainability.
Hong Kong International Literary Festival 2026
The 2026 silver jubilee edition
As HKILF celebrates its 25th anniversary from March 1 to 8, 2026, festival-goers can look forward to a milestone program with over 60 events throughout the city, at esteemed venues such as the Hong Kong Central Library, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Fringe Club, China Club, and Soho House.
Check out our selection of events below:
TALK: Building Belonging Across Communities
1 March – 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Africa Centre
In this special conversation at The Africa Centre, Arshay Cooper, rower, author, and social changemaker, shares how courage, unity, and resilience can transform lives and neighborhoods.
More details: HERE
Nightcaps & Narratives
6 March – 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
China Club HK
This special event invites audiences into an intimate evening with Emma Pei Yin, Paul French, Anthony Tao, Xu Xi and Hernán Díaz. Through short readings and insights from their books, these writers explore the cities, languages, and memories that continue to anchor their work based on Mainland China and set in Hong Kong.
More details: HERE
Writing Between Languages
7 March – 9:30 am – 11:00 am
The Fringe Club
Led by Hong Kong-born, Indonesian-Chinese-American author Xu Xi, this workshop encourages participants to play across linguistic borders and discover how their native languages can enrich voice, imagery, and narrative perspective.
More details: HERE
Colourful Hong Kong: Street Art Walk
7 March – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Fringe Club (meeting point)
Photographer Alexandra Unrein tours the murals of Central and Sheung Wan, sharing stories and processes of local street artists.
More details: HERE
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Hong Kong International Literary Festival 2026
1 March – 8 March
Various locations
Full programme on HKILF Website: HERE