Regardless of whether it is via digital screens or printed pages, the act of reading remains a timeless and universal pursuit that has the ability to expand horizons, deepen understanding of the world, and foster empathy and compassion.

In China, the government promotes reading as a means to build a more educated, innovative and morally cultivated society. To facilitate the act of reading, a government regulation on promoting nationwide reading, which took effect in February, sets out measures to improve reading facilities and services, reinforcing mechanisms to support reading initiatives.

The designation of the fourth week of April as National Reading Week further underscores the government's commitment to fostering a culture of reading. During this week, events such as lectures, bookfairs, salons and book donations are being held across the country, encouraging people to engage with books and share the joy of reading.

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In an era dominated by digital screens and byte-sized information, the act of reading books stands as a testament to humanity's enduring quest for knowledge and understanding. Reading is more than a mere intellectual exercise; it is a gateway to new ideas, a bridge between cultures, and a tool for personal and societal development.

The digital revolution has transformed the way we consume information, and reading is no exception. In China, 80.8 percent of adults now engage in digital reading through formats such as e-books, online literature, audiobooks and video-based summaries. This has made reading more accessible and convenient, attracting individuals who might not have the time or inclination to read physical books.

Data from the fifth National Conference on Reading in China highlights a promising trend: the rapid growth of digital reading is fostering adult reading rates, which reached 82.3 percent last year, with the average number of books read per person per year climbing to 8.39.

The growth of digital reading is reflected in the numbers: by the end of 2025, China's digital reading user base reached 689 million, up 2.95 percent from the previous year, while the total number of digital reading works exceeded 70 million. The market size of digital reading has nearly doubled over the past five years, growing to 59.48 billion yuan ($8.67 billion) from 30.25 billion yuan, indicating strong growth in both supply and demand. This surge is partly due to the evolution of online literature into the broader cultural industry, with content extending into offline experiences and interactive formats.

President Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized the importance of reading as a cornerstone of personal and intellectual development.

Reading can spark intellectual insight, instill lofty ideals, and nurture a sense of moral integrity, according to an article by Xi on promoting nationwide reading and building a book-loving society. The article, published on Thursday in this year's eighth issue of the Qiushi Journal, provides excerpts of Xi's discourses on reading from March 2013 to March 2025.

The article says people should read widely and choose good books, drawing wisdom and nourishment from them. It adds that work pressures should not be used as an excuse to neglect learning, nor should learning be reduced to a mere formality just for show.

The article also stresses that it is necessary to build a learning society where all people engage in lifelong learning, adding that Party members and officials should take the lead in reading and learning.

Digital reading should be combined with traditional reading, the article says.

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Despite the rise of digital formats, there is something irreplaceable about holding a physical book, turning its pages, and experiencing the tactile joy of reading. And rather than quick consumption of digital information, printed books offer a unique opportunity for in-depth reading, a practice that is essential for personal growth, career success and moral cultivation.

Recent surveys show that 45.9 percent of adults still prefer reading printed books, especially literary works, indicating a continued demand for immersive reading that allows individuals to engage fully with ideas, reflect on their meaning and apply them to their own lives.

And as we look to a future increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, reading takes on renewed importance as a touchstone to keep people grounded in the tangibilities of the world.