The Second Northeast China Book Fair concluded on Monday in Changchun, Jilin province, bolstered by a surging nationwide emphasis on reading.

The five-day event featured over 700 cultural enterprises, covering an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters, nearly 50 percent larger than the first year.

Showcasing more than 400,000 publications, the fair attracted 4.5 million online and offline visitors, with an accumulated trading volume of approximately 234 million yuan ($32.41 million).

The fair was divided into four main themed pavilions and 12 exhibition areas, featuring over 140 supporting activities, including various literary exchange events.

Additionally, 18 parallel venues were set up in 12 cities and counties in the province. Those venues include local Xinhua bookstores and museums like the Jilin Provincial Museum and Panshi City Anti-Japanese Struggle Memorial Hall, aiming to promote reading among the public and provide citizens and tourists with a closer reading experience.

"The fair is not only a regional cultural event but also an important platform for revitalizing Northeastern culture," said Zhang Hao, vice-chairman of the Jilin Provincial Network Writers Association. "Via the books, it bridges the gap between authors, readers, and publishing institutions."