Core Insights - The annual "I and the Temple of Earth" Beijing Book Fair attracted 550,000 visitors over 11 days, showcasing the enduring popularity of physical book fairs despite the rise of digital reading [1][20] - The event featured a significant increase in scale and quality, with the main exhibition area expanding to 20,000 square meters and nearly 500,000 types of publications and cultural products on display, marking a 10% increase from the previous year [1][20] - The book fair included special exhibits commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War, highlighting both classic and contemporary literature related to this theme [3][20] Event Highlights - The book fair's main venue expanded to accommodate 50,000 different publications, reflecting a growing interest in both new and old books among attendees [1][20] - Special attention was given to cultural products, with sales of creative merchandise accounting for 60% to 70% of total sales, indicating a trend towards integrating literature with lifestyle products [12][16] - The introduction of the "Beijing Book Fair into Universities" initiative, starting with Tsinghua University, aimed to promote reading and cultural engagement among students, reaching over 30,000 participants [20][23] Visitor Engagement - The event attracted a diverse audience, with a notable increase in younger readers, particularly in the "Old Books, New Knowledge" section, emphasizing intergenerational cultural exchange [7][16] - The fair featured various cultural activities, including over 100 events related to themes such as the 80th anniversary of the Anti-Japanese War, enhancing visitor interaction and engagement [20][22] - The presence of unique cultural merchandise, such as themed bags and collectibles, contributed to a vibrant atmosphere, with some items selling out quickly due to high demand [8][12] Market Dynamics - The book fair's success is attributed to its long-standing cultural significance and the deep-rooted reading habits of its audience, which create a unique shopping experience [19][20] - Discounts and promotional vouchers totaling nearly 8.5 million yuan were offered, further incentivizing purchases and enhancing visitor satisfaction [20][22] - The event serves as a cultural hub, facilitating exchanges between different regional cultures and promoting a sense of community among book lovers [22][23]

Core Viewpoint - The author emphasizes the importance of documenting historical wars, particularly the Chinese revolutionary wars, to understand the spirit and beliefs formed under extreme conditions, which are significant for contemporary China [1][2][3][4][5] Group 1: Historical Significance - The Chinese revolutionary wars, especially the Anti-Japanese War, are highlighted as pivotal events that shaped the nation's history and identity, marking a transition towards national rejuvenation [3][4] - The author notes that the Anti-Japanese War was the longest and largest resistance against foreign invasion in modern Chinese history, resulting in a significant victory for the nation [3] Group 2: Role of Soldiers and Civilians - Soldiers are described as the most ordinary yet crucial participants in wars, with their resilience and spirit serving as a source of inspiration for documenting war history [2] - The immense support from civilians during the Liberation War is emphasized, with 500,000 civilian workers aiding approximately 600,000 soldiers, showcasing a unique aspect of people's war [2] Group 3: Cultural and Spiritual Legacy - The author argues for the necessity of a spiritual map for a nation, suggesting that a culture rich in historical narratives can help maintain a strong national identity [4][5] - The importance of passing down the beliefs and values of past generations to contemporary youth is stressed, as it is believed to enhance the spiritual legacy of the Chinese nation [5]