Hutong keeps books alive

The value of paper

For Kong Xinxin, an editor at CITIC Press, Beijing's lively book fairs and cultural salons are more than just professional gatherings — they're opportunities to connect and be inspired.

"Talking with other editors helps us exchange insights, and discussing old and new projects with authors often sparks creativity," Kong said. "Even a bit of casual conversation at these events can leave me overflowing with ideas — it sometimes takes days to process them all."

Kong recalled one fair where she hosted a talk for an author who studies ants — a topic she expected would attract only a small crowd.

"I was surprised to see parents and kids filling the front rows before we even began," she said. "They listened closely, asked questions, and lined up for autographs afterward."

For Kong, the scene was a reminder of readers' enduring curiosity — even for subjects that seem obscure. "As editors, we need to be where the readers are," she said.

In an era dominated by digital media and fleeting short videos — which, she believes, encourage fragmented, image-driven reading habits that can erode patience and focus — Kong sees printed books as more important than ever.

"A book communicates in ways no other medium can," she said. "Beyond sharing knowledge, it trains the mind, sharpens thinking, and invites deep reflection."