NAIROBI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Large numbers of smartly dressed schoolchildren cheered as a replica of a giant dragon hovered behind them at the entrance to the 27th Nairobi International Book Fair in Kenya's capital.
The young learners later visited the exhibition stand of China's Xiamen International Book Company Limited (XIBC) to enjoy cultural experiences such as painting and calligraphy.
Brightly colored comic books grabbed the attention of schoolchildren from different parts of Nairobi, while others sampled toys, bangles, wristbands, trinkets and bags displayed at the XIBC stand.
Xiong Liguo, general manager assistant at XIBC, said the Nairobi book fair, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, has sparked the curiosity of local visitors keen to learn about Chinese culture through literature, costumes and illustrations.
"The most important aspect of this book fair is to facilitate cultural exchange with Kenya. We have different types of books and creative products to help Kenyans better understand Chinese culture," said Xiong.
He added that the five-day book fair, featuring storytelling, publisher networking forums, book readings and children's activities such as face painting, would advance the objectives of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
"We hope through this book fair, the Kenyan people -- children, adults, teachers, everybody -- will know Chinese culture very better, and we can learn from each other to make both our countries develop well," Xiong said.
Miriam Achieng, a Mandarin student who volunteered at the XIBC stand, said many adults were inquiring about books themed around Chinese history and culture, the country's development trajectory, governance model, literature and fiction.
"The children were attracted to bookmarks. It was a beautiful experience and they loved it. I also saw some adults who were very interested in traditional Chinese costumes," said Achieng.
At the Zhejiang Publishing United Group exhibition stand, visitors stared at stacks of books on display covering the social and natural sciences, humanities and instructional materials for learners from primary to tertiary institutions.
By participating in the book fair, executives at the publishing group said they hoped to gain an unfiltered view of Kenya's reading culture and how it could influence cultural and educational ties with China.
Organized by the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA), the 27th Nairobi International Book Fair runs under the theme "Read, Think, Lead," targeting 60,000 visitors and featuring 20 international exhibitors from China, India, Türkiye, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, according to KPA.
With a friendly demeanor, two young Kenyans who manned the exhibition stand of Changjiang Publishing and Media explained to visitors some of the themes covered by the books on display and their real-world implications.
Joseph Wamui, a Mandarin student at the University of Nairobi, underscored the significance of the book fair in cementing Sino-Kenyan cultural understanding through written texts.
"We are displaying books that highlight more of Chinese culture, the food, and some are for travel. It also shows that the Chinese are willing to understand Kenyan people," said Wamui.
Alice Wanjala, who is pursuing a basic Chinese language course at the University of Nairobi, said her mission was to encourage Kenyans to read Chinese literature and broaden their worldview.
Wanjala said some local visitors to the Changjiang Publishing and Media exhibition stand were impressed by books written for Kenyan learners by Chinese teachers.
"We also have the Flora of Kenya. The book is mostly about Kenya in the eyes of the Chinese people," said Wanjala.
Jia Xi, deputy general manager of Beijing Shengtong Printing Co., Ltd., said it was his first visit to Kenya and that he was impressed by the robust and lively spirit of local book lovers.
"We would like to have more exchanges with Kenyan publishers. I believe if local people read more Chinese books, they will be able to understand the country better," Jia added. ■