The Bookworm’s 10th Annual Literary Festival

It’s shocking to realize that March is already upon us when it feels like it was just Christmas yesterday but I guess that’s the norm when we spend most of Beijing’s cold winter months bundled up indoors. But this March isn’t just the start of warmer weather, it’s the return of the Beijing I’ve grown to adore, a dynamic city full of non-stop events that keeps us on our toes and wanting more.

This year not only marks my 10 year Chinaversary but it will also be the 10th year celebration of The Bookworm’s Annual Literary Festival (BLF), which continues to stand strong as one of the most anticipated events of the year. Organized by one of Beijing’s most beloved community centers, The Bookworm not only serves as a bookshop but a reliable resource and platform for sharing ideas, open discussions and debates for the international community. Recently named one of “The Best Bookshops in the World” by Lonely Planet, The Bookworm fosters a welcoming and creative space and their annual literary festival is a perfect example to showcase what The Bookworm is all about.

“We believe in the power of literature, which challenges us to understand the world outside of ourselves. It introduces new perspectives and shifts paradigms. We’ve created BLF to be a forum for thought and dialogue – fundamentals of a progressive society. Literature is an ongoing, live, global discussion, and BLF is proud to be part of it.” – The Bookworm

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A Thoughtful Discussion: Dissecting Beijing’s Soul

Beijing is a fascinating city.  It’s ever-evolving landscape and energy is something that is undeniably apparent for all who call this city home.

China’s capital is rich in history and tradition, but as it changes into a concrete jungle piled with skyscrapers, it’s become a city of contrast contradictions, a city of extreme and hypocritical dynamics and its future is arguably questionable.

Beijing’s “Renaissance man” Kaiser Kuo, author Zha Jianying (“China Pop” and “Tide Players”), sinologist David Moser and Danwei.com‘s Jeremy Goldkorn all come together for a thoughtful discussion of Beijing as a quickly changing city and where it’s future lies.

“Where is Beijing headed in the 21st century?  What sort of city is it morphing into?  Has it found a way to maintain its role as political and cultural capital while keeping its historical character and ineffable personality?  Why do we still love it so, despite it’s toxic air, its horrific traffic, its disastrous fengshui?  And is it in danger of losing its soul?”

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