Visitors have been flocking to the Haihe Second-hand Book Fair at the Tianjin Cotton 3 Creative Blocks, which celebrated its first birthday on April 26.  

The event features 27 second-hand book stalls, 20 rare book display cases and several booths displaying intangible heritage crafts. Visitors browsed through a thousand carefully selected titles covering a wide range of fields including literature, art, and science, alongside rare and out-of-print works, historical classics presented by antiquarian bookstores and private vendors.

"Although electronic devices are convenient, I still prefer the feeling of reading a physical book," said Chen Li, a high school student, while flipping through pages at the market.

For many young visitors, the fair satisfied their desire for uniqueness and personal expression. Discovering a cherished book or creative item felt like a treasure hunt or opening a mystery box, offering a highly rewarding emotional experience.

At the packed M3 Mini Theater, a reading forum attracted a full house. Luo Shuwei, a researcher from the Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences, shared insights on the integration of northern and southern Chinese cultures within the unique Tianjin style. Wang Xuexia, deputy general manager of Hebei Reading Media Co, discussed innovative strategies for integrating culture and commerce to nurture the antique book industry.

The East Bank Elegant Gathering — a special event within the fair — was equally engaging. Performances by the Nankai University Traditional Arts Society, a captivating storytelling session in the Yuan school tradition, and a thought-provoking talk by writer Ma Yutong created a feast for the senses.

Over the past year, the Haihe Second-hand Book Fair has hosted more than 100 events, continuously integrating creative cultural products, thematic exhibitions, expert lectures, and intangible cultural heritage experiences. With nearly 300,000 visitors to date, it has evolved into a cultural landmark that radiates influence across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.