Li Wenchao, who is with the Jinan municipal publicity department, says the online expo will be a complex of VR exhibitions, immersive cultural experiences, smart tailor-made printing, AI technologies, apart from its official website and WeChat account.

"We'll also enhance green ideas, and all the material used in conferences and in building the exhibition pavilions should be environmentally friendly and recyclable. Nonbiodegradable plastic products are not allowed," Li adds.

Liu Xiaokai, director of the print and distribution department under the National Press and Publication Administration, says it is a remarkable year to hold a grand national book event, both online and on site.

"We hope the expo offers a chance for us publishing professionals and readers to gain a deeper understanding of underlying logic and reasons-be it theoretical, cultural, political or social ones-to support the achievements Chinese people have made over the years, and the happy lives they're enjoying," Liu says.

Last year's book expo in Xi'an showcased 340,000 titles, including 159 titles by or about President Xi Jinping, and 2,400 quality titles winning national awards. Revenue from the Xi'an expo exceeded 228 million yuan.

The three cities selected for this year's expo have their own unique attractions.

Jinan is known for the Longshan Culture which dates back more than 4,000 years. Tai'an is the birthplace of the Neolithic Dawenkou Culture, a place where the earliest engraved texts were found. It is also where the Taishan Mountain is located, a double heritage crown in terms of both nature and culture.

Wang Yanyan, who is with the Tai'an municipal publicity department, says Tai'an is home to the country's first and only press and publications theme town.

"We now have 60 companies in the printing and publication business here, and will aim to reach around 100 companies in five years," says Wang, adding that the theme town welcomes visitors during the book expo.

A city known for its oceanic attractions, Yantai will incorporate music into its poetry recital events at the expo.

Organizers hope booklovers will enjoy the expo, and that they will also have a culturally enriching trip, whether virtually or on site, to one of the origins of Chinese civilization.