Hong Kong, historically known as a ‘paradise of banned books’ for mainland Chinese readers seeking uncensored literature, is currently experiencing significant pressure on its independent bookstore sector. This comes amidst a tightening legislative environment and a series of bookseller arrests.
Historically, these independent bookstores have served as crucial havens, providing spaces for independent thought, critical discourse, and community connection, particularly as other civil society organizations faced suppression. The landscape for these establishments dramatically shifted following the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Article 23 security legislation, which intensified pressures on the city’s independent publishing industry. Since March 2026, a wave of bookseller arrests under sedition charges has targeted establishments such as Book Punch, Hunter Bookstore, Greenfield Book Store, and Have A Nice Stay.
Authorities have not provided a clear list of banned books, creating what are termed ‘elusive red lines.’ This ambiguity compels booksellers and publishers to self-censor due to fear of prosecution. Concurrently, public libraries in Hong Kong have removed hundreds of books deemed sensitive under national security concerns, including those related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and works by pro-democracy figures.
The wider publishing ecosystem is also affected, with printers and distributors increasingly reluctant to handle politically sensitive content. Several independent bookstores, including Greenfield Book Store, Have A Nice Stay, and Mount Zero, have either closed or announced closures. These decisions have been attributed to legal pressures, financial difficulties, and issues with landlords.
Despite these challenges, Hong Kong’s independent bookstore scene has also shown signs of resilience. The number of independent bookstores in the city surprisingly increased from 45 to 87 between 2019 and 2022, a trend that indicates a form of cultural resistance and a continued demand for diverse literature. Community support has also been observed, with patrons gathering at closing bookstores and public donations helping some stores stay afloat. Some booksellers, like Lam Wing-kee, have relocated to Taiwan to continue operating and providing access to politically sensitive titles.
However, even for those operating from abroad, new logistical challenges are emerging. Shipping books from Taiwan, a significant hub for Chinese-language publishing, to Hong Kong is becoming more difficult, with some logistics firms halting services or demanding detailed book lists.