Communist Party of China's (CPC) senior official visited various activities during the World Book Day in Beijing. (Photo : China Daily)
As China celebrates the World Book Day, Communist Party of China's (CPC) senior official reminded the public on Thursday about the importance and benefits of reading.
Liu Yunshan, who holds various important offices in the national leadership of the CPC, told the audience to read good books as well as appreciate the book they are reading.
"Reading boosts knowledge and is a basic method for a nation to maintain spiritual development. We should promote reading and study among the public to inherit the outstanding culture, spread socialist core values and be a positive, virtuous force," Liu said as quoted by the Global Times.
The official advised publishing groups to prioritize social benefits as well as further development of digital publishing.
Cultural officials should also take a step in advocating reading, especially to the young people.
Aside from showing up in different reading activities, the Chinese leader also went to the century-old Zhonghua Book Company and commended the company's initiative to establish an online database as he emphasized the value of Chinese classics and the importance of preserving them.
Zhonghua Book Company is a Chinese publishing based in Beijing which specializes in editing, printing and publishing ancient and modern classics on humanities.
The World Book Day 2015 in China covers numerous reading events as well as book discussions by distinguished authors, classic book recitals and reading activities online. The event takes place from April to July.
