On August 13, the 2025 Shanghai Book Fair took place as scheduled. Thousands of book lovers gathered at the Shanghai Exhibition Center for a delightful rendezvous with books. Volunteers are present everywhere inside and outside the exhibition hall. They offer attentive and meticulous services, ensuring that visitors immerse themselves in this book feast.
This year, guided by the Social Work Department of CPC Jing’an District Committee, the Jing’an District Volunteer Association made significant strides to enhance the “Scholarly Jing’an” volunteer service brand. The association has recruited 60 volunteers, of whom the majority are college student volunteers from Shanghai Xingjian College. After completing registration, selection, and pre-job training, many of these volunteers can provide bilingual services.
Jing’an has partnered with international students from the College of International Education at Shanghai University to build an eye-catching “International Volunteer Team”. This initiative has injected youthful energy and a global perspective into the “Scholarly Jing’an” volunteer service brand, further highlighting its global dimension.
To further enhance service efficiency, Jing’an volunteer services were extended into the venues for the first time this year, adopting a model that emphasizes on-site services complemented by off-site linkage. Inside the exhibition hall, services such as guided tours, order maintenance, and reading recommendations are provided. Outside the exhibition hall, two temporary volunteer service booths have been set up at Gates 4 and 7 of the Shanghai Exhibition Center. During peak admission hours, volunteers at these booths offer services, including book fair guidance and consultations.
“Hi, what can I do for you?” “You can book tickets in advance on Damai.cn,” and “Head straight to the 2nd East Hall.” These were the patient responses of Liu Jinying, a sophomore from Shanghai Xingjian College, to visitors’ inquiries at the two booths at 10:00.
She said that her primary role is to assist elderly readers who are not proficient in using electronic facilities by guiding them in purchasing tickets and, whenever possible, walking them to the counter. She added, “Heat and crowds may drain me after a long day, but as a volunteer, I am dedicated to delivering every service with full enthusiasm and a professional attitude.”
At the main service desk of the venue, Chen Haile, also from Shanghai Xingjian College, helped visitors collect souvenir stamps. Before she knew it, four hours had flown by during the morning shift. She told reporters that it’s her debut at the Book Fair. She and her classmates collaborated and learned together throughout the experience. Yesterday, they walked over 20,000 steps in a single day after a patrol in the exhibition hall. “This is an incredible experience. While contributing to society and serving others, I have also developed and improved my communication skills and adaptability.”
Amid ongoing high temperatures, the Jing’an District Volunteer Association has attached great emphasis on heatstroke prevention and cooling measures while comprehensively strengthening logistics support for volunteers. Wang Yunfeng, Director General of the Jing’an District Volunteer Association, said that, given the high temperature, volunteer services were organized in two shifts (8:00-16:00 and 16:00-21:00). A high-temperature warning response mechanism has been established to dynamically adjust outdoor service hours. Medical kits and refreshing drinks have been prepared at two locations outside the exhibition hall. A “Volunteer Energy Package”, containing practical items such as customized quick-drying T-shirts, portable handheld fans, and cooling patches, has also been prepared for them.