The Likeness of Paradise: A Wander Through Beijing’s Bookstores and Libraries

Meta Description: Discover Beijing's most enchanting bookstores and libraries—from bamboo-hidden courtyards to modern reading havens. Explore where to read, borrow, and find peace in the city's literary gems.

Introduction: Where the Soul Wanders When Travel Is Far Away

“From tomorrow on, I will be a happy person. Feeding horses, splitting firewood, traveling the world.” In Hai Zi’s poetry lies the full picture of our ideal life. But reality often paints a different picture. In recent years, long-distance travel became a luxury, and even returning home for the New Year felt uncertain. When the body is trapped in one city, where should the soul wander?

My answer is—bookstores.

The Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges once said, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” In the streets and alleys of Beijing, I have found over a dozen such “paradises.” They are not just places that sell books; they are ideal havens, starting points for journeys through words. These Beijing bookstores have style, character, and charm. They are like lights in the city—no matter your circumstances, there is always one lamp lit for you.

Open a page, and you push open a door to another world. Find a bookstore, fall in love with a city, and embrace a kind of warmth. Today, I want to take you through these soulful reading spaces in Beijing’s literary landscape.

Best Libraries in Beijing: Finding Poetry Between the Pages

Lin Yutang said, “The most important thing for us is not to argue about truth and falsehood, gain and loss, but how to live happily and find the poetry in life.” These Beijing libraries are poetry itself.

A Pure Land Among Bamboo: Youxian Shanguan (Friendship Mountain Studio)

You can hardly imagine that inside Beijing’s noisiest public park lies a hidden Chinese-style courtyard study.

In Zizhuyuan (Purple Bamboo Park), the sound of square dancing blares from speakers, and karaoke songs never seem to end. But walk to the northeast corner of the park, pass through a grove of bamboo, and the world suddenly falls silent. An antique-style building appears before you, with a plaque inscribed by the renowned calligrapher Qi Gong reading “Youxian Shanguan,” flanked by a couplet: “Purple lightning streaks across the path as I try my brush; garden flowers bask in the sun, perfect for reading.”

This is a bookstore in Beijing jointly created by the National Library of China and Zizhuyuan Park. With dark tiles, brown pillars, whitewashed walls, and upturned eaves, the buildings are connected by corridors and bridges in a traditional garden style.

The south building is a special reading room, open for free borrowing. In the center stands a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, surrounded on three sides by bamboo-framed windows. Sunlight streams through the lattice, casting a warm, antique glow. The collection focuses on traditional Chinese culture, including books on garden culture and large-print editions. The most unique feature is the “Reserved Classics” shelf—you can order books online and pick them up on-site. In the corner, you’ll find handmade lanterns, windmills, and embroidered fans, adding a strong artistic touch.

The north building is an exhibition space, hosting ongoing “micro-exhibitions” on traditional culture. Yangliuqing woodblock prints, old Beijing New Year customs, traditional colors, papermaking techniques… Currently on display is an exhibition of Song Dynasty artifacts.

Order a pot of tea or a cup of coffee at the counter. As the aroma fills the air, pick up a book and savor the beauty of thought and reading. Outside is the lively park; inside is a quiet paradise.

Basic Info - Address: Northeast corner of Zizhuyuan Park - Transport: Exit D of National Library Station, Metro Line 4 or 9 - Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

[Link: National Library of China visitor guide]

There Really Is a Path Up the Mountain of Books: Xiyuetang (Sunshine Reading Hall)

A new high-aesthetic library has opened in Chaoyang District, and it’s worth crossing half of Beijing to see.

Xiyuetang is located in the Aigongchang Cultural Industrial Park. It’s a hybrid of bookstore, library, and study space, with three floors—two above ground and one below. Its biggest draw? Plenty of seating. Unlike bookstores where you can only stand and flip through pages, here you can truly sit down and read for an entire day.

The ground floor features a general book area, including a parent-child reading zone where you need to remove your shoes. Round seats are scattered with adorable panda-shaped children’s chairs. The window-side lounge area is bright and clean, perfect for studying or reading. There’s also a café offering tea, coffee, and croissants.

The basement is a borrowing area, stocked with books by the Chaoyang District Library. You can read here or borrow books with a library card. The second floor is an art space for exhibitions, displaying sculptures, photography, and paintings.

The centerpiece is a striking white spiral staircase connecting all three floors, full of artistic flair. Around the staircase stand tall, curved bookshelves that reach the ceiling. Even better: as you walk up or down the stairs, lights illuminate one by one, like an unfolding scroll, creating a wonderfully ceremonial atmosphere.

Basic Info - Address: Building 107, No. 27 West Dawang Road, Beihuaji Aigongchang Cultural Industrial Park, Chaoyang District - Transport: Convenient parking for self-drive - Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sat–Sun 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

[Link: Chaoyang District cultural attractions]

Let Reading Ignite Life: Gengdu Book Club (Gengdu Shushe)

Longfu Temple was once the trendiest spot in Beijing, but after a devastating fire, its glory faded. Now, with the revival of the area, Gengdu Book Club has moved into the ground floor of Longfu Tower, bringing cultural warmth back.

The sign at the door—“You are stepping into Beijing’s most beautiful bookstore”—makes you want to go in. The interior is warm and inviting, not overly flashy. White pendant lights on the ceiling curve like a soaring dragon, catching the eye. Potted plants and plush toys are everywhere, and photography is welcome.

Gengdu Book Club’s biggest feature is its “bookstore + public library” model. If you have a Beijing public library card, you can borrow and return books here. The spine labels have a code: red labels are city library books, green labels are the store’s own stock, and both can be borrowed for free.

The creative merchandise section is packed: traditional clay figurines (Tu'er Ye), capsule toys, blind boxes, Lego, Transformers, British Museum derivatives… and succulent plants, adding life to the store. There’s also a “Gengdu Little Upstairs,” a space for recording audio programs.

The air is filled with the aroma of coffee. Order a dessert, find a seat. Life changes in an instant, and hearts can easily grow restless. But pausing occasionally to read a few books quietly can make life feel more composed.

Basic Info - Address: Ground Floor, Longfu Tower, Dongcheng District - Transport: Exit E Northwest of Dongsi Station, Metro Line 8 or 6 - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

[Link: Dongcheng District walking tour]

A Haven for the Soul: Honglou Public Book Depository (Red Mansion Public Book Depository)

Exit Xisi Metro Station and walk south along South Street. Not far away, a modern building stands quietly at the southeast corner of the intersection. This was once the Honglou Cinema, with nearly 70 years of history, now transformed into China’s first public shared book depository.

Step inside, and traces of the old cinema are hard to find. Pass through the book-scented café at the entrance, and the atrium opens up. Two-story walls on all four sides are lined with bookshelves. In the center is a library-style reading area, along with stepped seating spaces—when cultural events are held, they become unique auditorium seats.

The philosophy of Honglou Public Book Depository is “Shared Collection, Shared Reading, Shared Experience.” “Shared Collection” means the books come from the public; over 80,000 volumes have been donated. Many renowned scholars have placed their treasured collections here, and institutions like the China National Publications Library and the People’s Publishing House have contributed their archives.

Basic Info - Address: Southeast corner of Xisi intersection, Xicheng District - Transport: Exit from Xisi Station, Metro Line 4 - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (check for event schedules)

[Link: Xicheng District historical sites]

Why Beijing Bookstores Are a Traveler’s Hidden Gem

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Beijing’s independent bookstores offers a unique way to experience the city’s soul. These spaces are more than retail outlets—they are cultural hubs where you can:

• Escape the crowds in popular tourist areas
• Discover rare books and local publications
• Attend author events and literary salons
• Enjoy quiet reading time with quality coffee or tea
• Find unique souvenirs like handmade crafts and local art

Many of these bookstores also host regular events, from poetry readings to calligraphy workshops, making them dynamic cultural destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing’s Bookstores and Libraries

1. Can I borrow books from these bookstores if I don’t have a Chinese library card?

Some bookstores, like Gengdu Book Club, allow borrowing with a Beijing public library card. If you don’t have one, you can still read on-site or purchase books. Xiyuetang also offers borrowing through the Chaoyang District Library system. Visitors may need to inquire about temporary membership options.

2. Are these bookstores suitable for children?

Absolutely. Several bookstores have dedicated children’s zones. Xiyuetang features a parent-child reading area with panda-shaped chairs, while Gengdu Book Club has plush toys and creative merchandise that kids love. Youxian Shanguan also offers large-print books suitable for young readers.

3. What is the best time to visit these bookstores?

Weekday mornings are generally quieter, especially at Youxian Shanguan in Zizhuyuan Park. Weekends can be busier, but many bookstores like Honglou Public Book Depository host special events on Saturdays. Check individual opening hours before visiting.

4. Are these bookstores accessible by public transport?

Yes, most are conveniently located near metro stations. Youxian Shanguan is near National Library Station (Line 4/9), Gengdu Book Club is near Dongsi Station (Line 8/6), and Honglou Public Book Depository is near Xisi Station (Line 4). Xiyuetang is best reached by car due to its location in an industrial park.

5. Can I take photos inside these bookstores?

Photography is generally welcome, especially at Gengdu Book Club and Xiyuetang. However, always check with staff before taking photos, especially in reading areas or during events. Respect other readers’ privacy.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Literary Adventure Awaits

Beijing’s bookstores and libraries are more than just places to buy or borrow books—they are sanctuaries for the soul. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner to read, a unique gift, or a cultural experience, these spaces offer something for everyone.

Your next step: Pick one bookstore from this list and plan a visit. Start with Youxian Shanguan for a serene escape in the heart of a park, or head to Xiyuetang for a modern, Instagram-worthy reading experience. Whichever you choose, you’ll discover that in Beijing, paradise truly has the likeness of a library.

Ready to wander? Share your favorite Beijing bookstore in the comments below, or tag us in your photos using #BeijingBookstores. Let’s keep the love for reading alive—one page at a time.

This article was originally inspired by a travelogue on Mafengwo. All factual details have been verified as of the publication date. Opening hours may change; please check official channels before visiting.