The Wuzhen Reading & Literary Festival, a parallel activity of the 2025 Shanghai Book Fair, opened on Wednesday.

Wuzhen, the first branch venue of the Shanghai Book Fair in Zhejiang Province, combines the charm of an ancient water town with modern literary culture, demonstrating cultural integration in the Yangtze River Delta region.

From August 13 to 19, the festival will feature cultural events that combine reading and tourism to create immersive literary experiences. Highlights include AI-powered soundscapes based on the novel "Blossoms Shanghai" and a "Reading Garden" that integrates literature with nature. Visitors can enjoy free sightseeing, classic film screenings and themed literary events.

Mexican writer Jazmina Barrera and British writer Alec Ash will meet readers this weekend to discuss cross-cultural concerns and self-discovery during the sharing session.

The event, which combines tradition and innovation, will give readers an unforgettable multi-sensory experience.