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When music went digital, record stores feared for the worst, but bookstores are still in the game. The ones over in Poland are jointly taking part in a month-long book fair to promote literature on ancient and modern China. The book fair is one of many bilateral cultural exchanges organized ahead of President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Poland.

A visitor at a book fair in Chopin International Airport in Warsaw, Poland. [Photo by Chen Xu/Xinhua]

About 100 bookstores across nine Polish cities are taking part in the fair to promote Chinese cultures in the East European country. The fair attracted many locals who are curious to learn about China’s history and cultural heritage and development.

Language has been a barrier for the introduction of Chinese books in Poland, but both countries have agreed to strengthening translation of works. Many of the works featured at this month-long book fair are in English. In addition, there are also 20 titles in Polish.

A new Polish edition of the already popular “Using the Wisdom of Chinese Medicine to Stay Healthy” will be released during the book fair. People visiting participating book stores will be able to receive free copies.

Guo Weimin (second, right), vice-minister of the State Council Information Office, opens the book fair with Polish guests. [Photo by Chen Xu/Xinhua]

On Tuesday, a library featuring books on China was established in the Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities. China has already provided the library with more than 200 books covering a variety of genres and is planning to provide 300 books each year in the coming five years.

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition called “Beautiful China, Beautiful Poland” has opened in Warsaw. It features more than 40 photos from both countries. More than a display of natural scenery and the diverse cultures, the exhibition also tells personal stories of friendship between people of the two countries.