In 2024, more Chinese adults turned to digital formats for reading, with a noticeable rise in the use of mobile phones and audio platforms, according to a national survey on reading habits.

The survey, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, was presented at the Fourth National Conference on Reading in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province.

Findings show that 78.7% of adults read digital content on their phones, and 38.5% listened to audiobooks — both figures representing year-on-year increases.

In 2023, on average, adults in China read 4.79 physical books and 3.5 e-books, with both numbers rising compared to the previous year.

Sun Shoushan, head of the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, noted that advancements in digital technology and supportive policies have fueled growth in both the scale and reach of digital reading in the country.

He added that digital reading has become a regular part of daily life in China, evolving from a niche activity into a widespread habit, with a diverse reading ecosystem now catering to all age groups and settings.

Another report from the conference revealed that digital reading users in China reached 670 million in 2024, a 17.52% increase from the previous year.

China's digital reading market also saw strong financial growth, with revenue reaching 66.14 billion yuan (approximately 9 billion USD), up 16.65% compared to 2023.