Chinese books in great demand at Bolivian International Book Fair

Bolivian interest in Chinese culture has proved overwhelming at the La Paz International Book Fair (FIL) 2018.

At the fair's "Red Pavillion" featuring China, this year's "distinguished guest", bookshelves have become almost empty.

Li Ruixia and Lu Shuming, who are in charge of the stand, said that around 90 percent of the books on display have been sold, including some untranslated books.

The fair began Aug 1 and runs to Aug 12.

China is participating for the first time in the La Paz FIL, with a program that includes a gastronomy exhibition, a literature debate, a calligraphy workshop and a conference about China-Bolivia relations.

According to Bolivian doctor Lucio Moya, China is creating great interest for the fairgoers for several reasons, including the country's culture, philosophy, technology and economic power.

Chinese novelist Zhao Daxin gave a talk about China's literary evolution titled Lu Xun to Mo Yan: A Century of Chinese Literature in an Area of Historic Changes.

The FIL is the most important book fair in Bolivia, with over 130 participants from countries around the world this year.

According to Liu Hebao, the cultural affairs officer at the Chinese embassy in Bolivia, 200 Chinese books were made available to visitors at the FIL. The exposition is a great success, he added.