China started its largest-ever book trade fair January 12 in Beijing's China International Exhibition Center.

Approximately 600 publishing houses and distribution companies are participating, with nearly 753 exhibition booths.

According to the State Press and Publication Administration, the book fair will display up to 110,000 kinds of publications, including more than 30,000 new ones.

Five participating computer firms for the first time will be introducing IT technologies at the event. Web surfers can get a book list and buy publications on the Internet.

Activities scheduled during the four-day fair include presentations of new books, special-topics symposia and other meetings and talks.