The 24th New Delhi World Book Fair opens at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India on January 9, 2016. China is the guest of honor this year. [Photo /Xinhua]

Seeking to build a bridge of knowledge between the two ancient civilizations, India has selected China as the Guest of Honor at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2016, which opened to book lovers on Jan 9 at the Pragati Maidan in the Indian capital.

Launched in 1972, the fair has developed into a major calendar event in the publishing world. It attracted around 1 million visitors last year, making it "Asia's largest book fair", and the expectations of this year are higher. Some 30 countries from around the world are taking part in the event, besides international agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

As the Guest of Honor this year, China has set up a beautifully designed pavilion spread over 1,200 square meters at hall number 7. More than 5,000 Chinese books and those translated from the Chinese language into English and Hindi languages are displayed on the shelves. Themes include politics, economics, society, and culture.

More than 250 Chinese delegates including publishers and authors are taking part in panel discussions and exchanges on the sidelines of the book fair. Several important Chinese authors, including acclaimed children's fiction writer Cao Wenxuan, best seller Mai Jai, as well as lyrical poet Lan Lan among others, will be present during the fair to share their writing experiences and insights.