An 18-square-meter booth at the 2026 Shanghai Book Fair was a hit among visitors, offering a window into the millennium-old charm of Zhujiajiao Water Town.

Visitors shared personal memories and travel plans at the booth, recalling previous trips to the iconic Fangsheng Bridge and local countryside cafes. The small yet eye-catching booth condenses the diversified charm of Zhujiajiao's integrated six-industry development.

It displayed cultural and creative products, intangible cultural heritage artworks, calligraphy and painting pieces and local publications, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the ancient town's culture and development layout.

Packed with innovative highlights, the booth launched exclusive cultural merchandise, turning soft water-town memories into accessible souvenirs for readers. It premiered the featured book "Encounter Zhujiajiao," a representative work interpreting the town's integrated industrial development.

A variety of themed cultural creations inspired by local landmarks including Apo Teahouse and Qing Post Office were also on display, allowing visitors to view, read, purchase and collect authentic Zhujiajiao cultural products.

Organizers aimed to extend the event's influence, helping more people recognize and explore Zhujiajiao through the book fair platform.

Yu Fu, a staff member of Zhujiajiao's six-industry integration working group, shared her special experience participating in the annual event.

"I have visited the Shanghai Book Fair almost every year as a reader," Yu said. "This year is different. As a local resident of Zhujiajiao, I attend the fair as a staff member representing my hometown. Many readers came specifically for my book signing. The feeling is incredibly wonderful."

Yu documented warm moments during the exhibition on social media, drawing widespread attention from online viewers. For her, the book fair builds an in-depth connection between readers nationwide and Zhujiajiao, further raising Qingpu's cultural profile. She pledged to keep working hard and creating literary works to contribute to her hometown's development.

Many visitors stayed long after visiting the booth, lingering over local books filled with water town scenery. Some out-of-town tourists arrived with luggage and travel maps, planning their upcoming trip to Zhujiajiao after learning about the town's history and culture at the fair.

Yu expressed sincere love and expectation for her hometown in a social media post.

"Over the past 21 years. I have evolved from a book fair reader to an exhibitor," Yu wrote. "We start with 18 square meters this year and strive for 180 square meters next year."

Far more than a simple display space, the 18-square-meter booth serves as a window for Zhujiajiao to showcase its profound cultural heritage and embrace broader public attention and global recognition.