Taipei Book Fair Kicks Off Year-End Book Bonanza with 10 Innovations Ushering in the Reading Era

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
The annual Taipei International Book Exhibition opened on Tuesday, February 6, featuring 10 major innovations in space, services, events, and promotions under this year’s theme, “The Reading Era.” These upgrades surpass previous years and mark a significant leap forward in reading culture.

A book lover herself, President Tsai also went on a “shopping spree” at the book fair this year. But even she found some unexpected “treasures.” “Because I’m the president, I can’t often visit bookstores. Today I bought some books to read later. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a video series I often watch online, called ‘The Imperial Dad’s Harem Life,’ has been turned into a book—I was thrilled to buy a copy.” True to her reputation as a cat lover, she couldn’t resist adding books about cats to her shopping list.


The Israeli Pavilion was a major highlight of this year’s book fair, bringing both food and literature with an abundance of exotic flair. Walking through the Time Tunnel, visitors encountered bestsellers from Israel, such as *The Diary of Anne Frank*, along with introductions to popular Israeli authors like Noa Yedlin and Gil Hovav, who also made live appearances during the exhibition.

Another highlight was the “interactive installations.” Visitors could take a photo on-site and use the Israeli-developed app *I Make* to transform their face into artwork in Piven’s signature style. The exhibit displayed portraits of President Tsai, the late entertainer Chu Ko-liang, and Israeli actress Gal Gadot. There was also a VR experience that let visitors stroll the streets of Jerusalem.

Top 10 Innovations at the 2018 Taipei International Book Fair

Innovation 1	Theme Country Israel – A Sensory Creative Experience
Innovation 2	Reading Era Book Wall in Hall 1, Enhanced Entrance Design in Hall 3
Innovation 3	Rest Areas Offer Multifunctional Features, First-Time Introduction of Light Food
Innovation 4	Entry via EasyCard, iPASS, or icash Cards – No More Queues
Innovation 5	AR-Enhanced Experience at the Original Anime Base
Innovation 6	Digital Theme Pavilion Showcases French Publishing Trends
Innovation 7	Hall 3 Debuts “Illustrators’ Salon” Featuring 13 Renowned Artists
Innovation 8	Hall 3’s Popular “Children’s Reading Experience Zone” Offers Hands-On Crafts and Storytelling Corners
Innovative Nine	Book Fair Bonuses to Welcome the Year of the Dog – Take Photos, Check In, and Get Gifts with Every Purchase
Innovative Ten	City Reading Festival – Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung Join Forces with 180 Reading Events Across Taiwan

 
Top 10 Themed Pavilions at the 2018 Taipei International Book Exhibition

Pavilion One	Israel Theme Country Pavilion
Pavilion Two	Eslite Time Special Exhibition
Pavilion Three	Book Fair Awards Pavilion
Pavilion Four	Digital Theme Pavilion
Pavilion Five	Comics Reality PLUS
Pavilion Six	Taiwan Character Brand Carnival
Pavilion Seven	Youth Creativity Pavilion
Pavilion Eight	Taiwan Picture Book Art Museum
Pavilion Nine	Children’s Reading Experience Pavilion
Pavilion Ten	Quality Reading Materials Theme Pavilion