To celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China, as well as China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism, the Embassy of Switzerland in China, in collaboration with Juanzong Books and Aranya Library, presents The Most Beautiful Swiss Books 2021–2024 exhibition to the public, showcasing the outstanding achievements of Switzerland in the field of book design.

Since 1943, when typographer Jan Tschichold proposed to honor the most beautiful Swiss books with an annual award, the competition for this title has become very popular and is heard of not only in Switzerland but around the world. More than 2000 titles have received this honor until now.

In 1998, the Federal Office of Culture took over the organization of the award. The takeover was accompanied by a new strategic and content orientation which is still valid today. According to Mr Felix Schwendimann ,Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Switzerland in China,the competition is open to professionals in the fields of design, publishing, and printing, aiming to elevate the quality of Swiss book design and bring books closer to the public. Each year, an international jury of five experts selects The Most Beautiful Swiss Books from approximately 400 entries. The award not only reflects the overall trends in contemporary book design and production but also leaves a cherished cultural legacy in the history of Swiss and international book design.

“So far, no book designed by a Chinese designer has received this award. But it is entirely possible.”the counsellor said,according to the regulations, a book can be considered a “Swiss book” if it meets at least one of the following criteria: either designed by a Swiss designer, or published by a publisher headquartered in Switzerland, or printed by a printing house based in Switzerland.

“This means there is every reason to look forward to seeing books by Chinese designers among the winners in future editions.”he added.

The exhibition in Aranya will feature over 80 books published between 2021 and 2024. On the opening day, August 22, professionals from the fields of book design, printing, and publishing were invited to share and discuss topics such as Swiss book design, as well as book design, printing techniques, and publishing trends in both China and Switzerland. The exhibition will run until October 10.