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Hong Kong International Literary Festival is back this March for its 25th anniversary

Another edition packed with food for thought and nourishment for the brain

Written by
Genevieve Pang
hong kong literary festival 2025
Photograph: Cherry Chan
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How time flies – the formidable Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! In honour of its silver jubilee, HKILF is pulling out all the stops this March to present a diverse programme filled with author talks, literary lunches, workshops, showcases, cultural walks, trivia nights, and poetry events.

With more than 60 events taking place from March 1 to 8, the 25th edition of HKILF is shaping up to be one for the books. An exciting lineup of authors has been announced, featuring the likes of award-winning Argentine-American writer Hernán Diaz, whose novel Trust was recognised with the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; acclaimed Indian writer Amitav Ghosh, who will discuss his upcoming work, Ghost-Eye; and Chinese writer Hu Anyan, who will present his poignant nonfiction memoir, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing.

Hong Kong International Literary Festival HKILF
Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong International Literary Festival

Authors-slash-athletes Arshay Cooper and Bonnie Tsui will deep-dive into the power of movement and talk about Cooper’s Let Me Be Real With You: Inspiring Stories of Hope, Grit, and Redemption. Liann Zhang will discuss her debut thriller, Julie Chan is Dead, and Marga Ortigas will present her collection of essays, WTF? Women Turning Fifty. Food lovers will want to clear their schedule for Michael Zee, who will talk about his cookbook, Zao Fan: Breakfast of China, winner of the Fortnum & Mason Cookery Book Award 2025.

Hong Kong International Literary Festival HKILF
Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong International Literary Festival

Marquees and talks will be hosted across venues such as the Hong Kong Central Library, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Fringe Club, China Club, and Soho House. Programme details, venues and timings for individual talks and marquees, and ticketing arrangements will be released to the public soon. For now, check out the dedicated Eventbrite page for more information on the event schedule and to purchase tickets. More events and ticket sales will be added to the Eventbrite page by the end of January.

Alongside HKILF 2026, the Young Reader’s Festival will run from March 2 to 13 to promote education and literacy opportunities. Students and children can join talks and workshops to engage with authors and learn about the art of creative writing.

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