China's 13th National Book Fair is scheduled to open in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province on Oct. 18.

Fair organizers say 5,400 delegates from the country's provincial areas and representatives from the country's major bookstores, publishing houses and libraries are expected to attend the two-week fair.

About 80,000 different types of books, including printed books and periodicals, and audio and video products, will be exhibited.

China's first National Book Fair opened in Beijing in 1980. Over the years it has turned into a festival not only for publishers but for many readers from across the country.

(eastday.com September 23, 2002)