To mark the 29th World Book Day on April 23, the Global Times hosted its second "My Reading Life" book-sharing event, "Spring Reading," as well as a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Global Times English Edition at the Cultural Center of Longfu Building in Beijing on Saturday. 

Renowned authors, cultural figures and outstanding student representatives shared their reading experiences. They jointly launched 10 reading initiatives amid today's brisk national reading scene.

Fan Zhengwei, Global Times Party secretary, president and editor-in-chief, told participants that reading cultivates a civilized society, strengthens a nation, and helps individuals find their spiritual foundation. "To cultivate and solidify this foundation, it must start from adolescence. This is why the Global Times English Edition is holding the 'My Reading Life' essay contest," Fan noted. 

Chen Pingyuan, Boya chair professor at Peking University and a researcher at the China Central Institute for Culture and History; Wu Weishan, vice secretary-general of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and director of the National Art Museum of China; Huang Shuyuan, vice chairman of the Taofen Foundation and former president of the People's Publishing House; Li Fang, deputy editor-in-chief of the People's Daily Overseas Edition and winner of the Lu Xun Literature Prize; and Zhu Yuanyuan, a national first-class actress at the National Theatre of China; shared their reading stories. 

The event was inspired by the "My Reading Life" essay contest that the Global Times English Edition launched in early 2023 to encourage school students to write about and share their reading experiences.

Shahbaz Khan, director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, sent a congratulatory video.

Meanwhile, the Global Times English Edition celebrated its 15th anniversary that day. Since April 20, 2009, the Global Times English Edition has been dedicated to telling China's stories to the world and serving as a window for the world to understand China. It presents a credible, endearing and respectable image of China to the world, narrating China's worldview while also shaping the world's perception of China.

The reading initiatives were jointly launched by China Literature Limited. The event is supported by Song Dynasty Royal Kiln.

As a mainstream media outlet, the Global Times bears an undeniable responsibility in promoting reading nationwide. Only by continuously deepening reading and learning, nurturing the cultural soil and accumulating academic knowledge can we enhance the country's cultural confidence. This enables the Global Times to better tell China's stories with confidence and excellence.
The Global Times will continue to uphold media responsibility, support nationwide reading initiatives, nurture cultural roots, promote civilization exchanges, and showcase the charm of Chinese culture.

Chen Pingyuan, Boya chair professor at Peking University and researcher at the China Central Institute for Culture and History

Reading is so common yet so important in our lives, to the point that its significance often goes unnoticed and neglected, much like air. Being able to read freely and leisurely is a great happiness.
Reading is fun and very personal. Reading regularly is not an easy thing. Everyone experiences different nuances while reading, finding their own interests. I hope everyone can find their life path through reading.

Wu Weishan, vice secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee and director of National Art Museum of China

The nation that reads is a progressive nation. Reading enables everyone to enhance their own value. You can acquire power, wisdom, emotion from reading. 
Youthful reading is about addition, cultivating the habit of reading extensively. Reading in one's middle age is about subtraction. At this stage, it's about digesting books, applying what you've learned, and extending yourself based on the wisdom of our predecessors.

Huang Shuyuan, vice chairman of the Taofen Foundation and former president of the People's Publishing House

Who read books and what books they read determines the future of that country. Cultivating reading habits and fostering a reading atmosphere can make the fragrance of books part of the cultural atmosphere of the new era.
The Global Times essay contest has encouraged more young people to pick up books and engage in reading. Such participation is also driving forward the progress of Chinese writers and the publishing industry.

Li Fang, deputy editor-in-chief of the People's Daily Overseas Edition and winner of the Lu Xun Literature Prize

Reading ability not only determines the learning methods of a nation but also the cultural habits of a country and determines the direction of progress for both the nation and the country.
In an era where people are accustomed to reading on screens, we need to consider how to adapt to readers' new habits and meet their new needs instead of blaming them.

Zhu Yuanyuan, national first-class actress at the National Theatre of China

While reading, we can find others in books and observe their destinies and stories. This is especially beneficial for us actors, as it allows us to observe and learn. At the same time, we can reflect on ourselves like looking in a mirror. As long as we plant the seeds of reading that benefit our lives in our hearts, one day they will surely sprout. It's never too late no matter at what age one develops a love for reading.

Shahbaz Khan, director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia

The Global Times essay contest not only nurtures a sense of global responsibility and cultural understanding but also provides an opportunity for students to exchange ideas and their perspectives with others. I encourage more youth to participate in such initiatives and all parties to continue to support youth development through similar endeavors.


Global Times 10 reading initiatives

Xu Tao (second from left), deputy general manager of Global Times, and Zhao Gang (center), Global Times Party disciplinary chief, together with other guests, jointly unveil 10 reading initiatives for 2024. Photo:Li Hao/GT

The Global Times announced 10 reading initiatives for 2024, namely focused reading, daily reading, deep reading, classic reading, themed reading, interdisciplinary reading, green reading, parent-child reading, shared reading and practical reading.


'My Reading Life' essay contest continues

Global Times deputy chief editors Meng Yuhong (first from right) and Bai Long (first from left) reward certificates to 10 students who participated in the essay contest.

The Global Times English Edition launched the "My Reading Life" essay contest in early 2023 to encourage middle school students to write about and share their reading experiences. It has received an enthusiastic response and established a platform for knowledge sharing and cultural exchange. 
Students who won the essay contest received their awards at the event on Saturday.
In September 2023, the Global Times hosted the inaugural "My Reading Life" book sharing event and received a warm response.

Anchorwoman Xie Yingying

Student speaker Pu Zhao