The highly anticipated Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) is set to mark its silver jubilee this year, presenting its 25th annual edition with an expansive, week-long celebration of global prose and intellectual discourse. Running from March 1 to March 8, the festival will feature over 60 distinct events, including author discussions, specialized literary workshops, cultural excursions, and poetry readings, solidifying its status as a vital hub for readers and writers across Asia.
Global Literary Heavyweights Headlining Silver Jubilee
To commemorate its significant milestone, the HKILF has curated a robust lineup featuring several internationally acclaimed authors across diverse genres. Headlining the roster is Argentine-American writer Hernán Diaz, the 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction for his novel Trust. Also confirmed is the eminent Indian writer Amitav Ghosh, who will engage audiences in a discussion about his forthcoming work, Ghost-Eye. Representing contemporary Chinese literature, writer Hu Anyan is scheduled to present his poignant nonfiction memoir chronicling his experiences, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing.
The festival program spans far beyond traditional fiction and poetry, incorporating broader cultural and timely themes. The intersection of sports and narrative will be explored by authors and athletes Arshay Cooper and Bonnie Tsui, focusing on transformation and resilience. Cooper will specifically delve into themes of hope and grit discussed in his book, Let Me Be Real With You: Inspiring Stories of Hope, Grit, and Redemption.
Diverse Narratives and Culinary Explorations
The HKILF is committed to showcasing a wide spectrum of voices, including emerging and established talent tackling contemporary social issues. Attendees can look forward to hearing from Liann Zhang, discussing her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead, and Marga Ortigas, who will present her candid essay collection, WTF? Women Turning Fifty, which critically examines the experience of aging.
Culinary literature receives its own spotlight with Michael Zee, the celebrated writer and photographer behind Zao Fan: Breakfast of China, winner of the 2025 Fortnum & Mason Cookery Book Award. Zee’s session promises to be a treat for food enthusiasts, connecting literature with the rich culinary traditions of China.
Strategic Venues Host Festival Events
The diverse array of talks, performances, and literary gatherings will be hosted across several distinguished cultural locations throughout Hong Kong. Key venues include the Hong Kong Central Library, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, the Fringe Club, the historic China Club, and Soho House.
While the detailed schedule, specific venue timings, and ticketing arrangements are expected to be finalized and released shortly, eager attendees can secure early access to general information and initial ticket sales via the dedicated Eventbrite page. Organizers anticipate adding the full spectrum of events and ticket options late this January.
Promoting Literacy Through Youth Engagement
Running in parallel with the main festival events, the Young Reader’s Festival (YRF) will take place from March 2 to March 13. This crucial component of the annual literary effort focuses intensely on education and literacy development for students and younger readers. The YRF provides valuable opportunities for children to participate in interactive workshops and author sessions designed to foster a passion for creative writing and reading comprehension.
The 25th HKILF is set to not only celebrate a quarter-century of bringing world literature to Hong Kong but also to reinforce the city’s role as a sophisticated cultural destination where intellectual exchange and artistic expression thrive.
