China's Reading Habits Evolve as 82% of Adults Embrace Books in 2024

As World Book Day 2024 approaches, China is witnessing a significant shift in reading habits, with 82% of Chinese adults now embracing reading as a regular activity. The transition from traditional reading to audiobooks has emerged as a notable social trend, reflecting the fast-paced urban lifestyle and the proliferation of diverse media platforms.

According to a survey report released at the Third National Conference on Reading in Kunming, Yunnan province, Chinese people read more in 2023 than in the prior year. The survey, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, found that 81.9% of respondents engaged in reading through various media, a slight increase from 2022. Adults spent an average of 23 minutes and 23 seconds per day reading, 15 seconds more than in 2022.

While the percentage of adults reading physical books remained steady at 59.8%, digital reading saw a notable rise, with 80.3% of respondents reading on digital devices, up 0.2 percentage points from the previous year. Chinese adults read an average of 4.75 paper books and 3.40 electronic books in 2023, compared to 4.78 and 3.33 respectively in 2022. Mobile phones emerged as the preferred device for reading, with 78.3% of adults using them, up from 77.8% in 2022.

Why this matters: The evolving reading habits in China reflect the country's rapid digital transformation and the growing influence of technology on cultural practices. As more adults embrace reading through various media, it highlights the importance of adapting content and platforms to meet the shifting preferences of readers.

The rise of audiobooks has been particularly noteworthy, with the user base reaching 420 million in 2022. Chinese content creators are leveraging AI technology to produce captivating radio dramas that combine human voices, music, and sound effects. Online storytellers like Zhao Jian have garnered millions of followers on platforms such as Douyin, nurturing a love for reading among a wider audience.

Traditional offline libraries are also undergoing a digital transformation to cater to the growing demand for audiobooks. The provincial library of Guizhou, for instance, has established a facility with an extensive collection of audiobooks, enabling book lovers to immerse themselves in various emotional spectra.

China's retail market for books showed a recovery trend in 2023, with a size of 91.2 billion yuan ($12.59 billion), a year-on-year increase of 4.72 percent. Short video livestreaming platforms and social media have emerged as the second-largest book sales channel in the country, highlighting the influence of technology on the book industry.

Despite the impact of digital technologies, the importance of books as a link between the past and the future and a bridge between generations and cultures remains paramount. As World Book Day 2024 approaches, it serves as a reminder of the need to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity through the publication of books in different languages, fostering mutual learning, respect, and <a href="https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_

Key Takeaways

• 82% of Chinese adults now read regularly, up from previous year.
• Digital reading rose to 80.3% of respondents, with mobile phones as preferred device.
• Audiobook user base reached 420 million in 2022, with AI-powered content creation.
• Book retail market grew 4.72% in 2023, with social media as second-largest sales channel.
• Preserving linguistic and cultural diversity through book publishing remains important.