Press conference for the 26th National Book Expo. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A press conference was held in the city of Baotou, Inner Mongolia on Apr 12 for the approaching 26th National Book Expo, drawing delegations from across China.

At the conference, organizers evaluated the preparation work the city has completed, released the expo's theme words, logo, and mascot, and made arrangements for upcoming work.

The annual expo has been considered a wind vane of the country's publishing scene and a top level event in that respect since 1980. This year it will be held in Baotou through July 28-30.

Launching ceremony for the 26th National Book Expo in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. [Photo provided to China Daily]

This year's expo, entitled Read Grasslands Culture and Breathe the Air of Books, will include various types of events like a readers' conference, an excellent book exhibition, a traditional Chinese printing exhibition, book donations, representative reader selections, book and video activities, a Grasslands Silk Road debut, talk shows, photography exhibitions, Inner Mongolian culture performances and several other activities providing a platform for showcasing, communicating, sharing and trading in the culture and book business.

Organized by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region government with help from the Inner Mongolia Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television Bureau, the Baotou municipal government, the Publishers Association of China and the Books and Periodicals Distribution Association of China, the expo will feature Baotou as its main venue and Wuhai and Ulanqab as two auxiliary sites.