In recent years, Guangdong has become home to a variety of exquisite reading spaces that have captivated both locals and visitors. From historical bookshops and cultural hubs to modern libraries with artistic designs, these spaces have emerged as major highlights of the province. Today is World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day or the International Day of the Book. Let's explore some of Guangdong's most distinctive book-themed spaces.
Lighthouse Library, Guangzhou
The Lighthouse Library (灯塔图书馆) is a new branch of the Nansha Library, housing over 10,000 books on literature, economics, history, and more.
(Photo: Nansha Library)
The library's vertical section is located in a striking 15-meter-high tower featuring a spiral staircase, where visitors can explore 7,000 books on topics such as the Maritime Silk Road and marine science. The ground-level reading area boasts a red-and-white church-style design and contains books on literature, art, and children's literature. Additionally, the library features a coffee bar where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the scenic river view.
(Photo: Nansha Library)
Location: Room 101, No. 1 Nan Shi Ao Yuan, Gangqian Avenue South, Nansha District, Guangzhou (广州南沙区港前大道南石奥苑小区1号101房)
Opening hours: 9:00-12:00, 14:00-17:30 from Monday to Friday; 9:00-17:00 from Saturday to Sunday (Closed on Wednesday)
Yu Xi Shu Zhai, Guangzhou
The Yu Xi Shu Zhai (御溪书斋) offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese aesthetics. With its mirror bookshelves designed to resemble a galaxy, this library has earned the nickname "Starry Sky Library" among netizens. Housing over 20,000 books covering topics from lifestyle and art to literature and finance, it provides a serene space for readers to immerse themselves in knowledge.
(Photo: Guangzhou Haizhu Fabu)
Location: 3rd Floor, HiCity Mall, No. 156 Nanzhou Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州海珠区南洲路156号侨建大厦3楼)
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closed from Monday to Tuesday)
Sensing Bookstore (Chuihong Road Branch), Foshan
Established in 1995, Sensing Bookstore (先行图书垂虹路店) is one of the oldest independent bookstores in Foshan, and is recognized as a cultural landmark in the city.
(Photo: Foshan Fabu)
With stone paths, ivy-covered walls, and large windows framed by lush plants, the bookstore provides a cozy space for reading. Visitors can relax on the terrace and enjoy a book. The popular cat "Char Siu" often greets customers, adding a touch of warmth. The store also hosts various events, including workshops and lectures on photography, film, and literature.
(Photo: Foshan Fabu)
Additionally, every November, the owner brings back truckloads of ginkgo leaves from Guangxi to decorate the floor, capturing the spirit of autumn.
(Photo: Sensing Bookstore)
Location: No. 27, Chuihong Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区垂虹路27号)
Opening Hours: 9:30-21:30
Reading Mi (Shenzhen Uniwalk Qianhai Branch), Shenzhen
Reading Mi, a brand under Shenzhen's Yoyi Book (覔书店深圳前海壹方城店), has expanded to multiple cities. The Shenzhen Uniwalk Qianhai branch spans over 2,000 square meters and offers a collection of 200,000 books. With its unique design, featuring a chessboard-style bookshelf and a water-textured stainless steel ceiling, the store was once listed as one of China's most beautiful bookstores.
(Photo: Bao'an Cultural and Sports Center)
Location: L3, Uniwalk Center, No. 99 Xinhu Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen (深圳市宝安区新湖路99号壹方城购物中心L3层)
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 from Sunday to Thursday; 10:00-22:30 from Friday to Saturday
Xiangshan Study at Zimaling Park, Zhongshan
Xiangshan Study in Zhongshan is part of the city's initiative to promote public reading. Over 100 Xiangshan Studies have been established, many repurposing old buildings in scenic areas, parks, campuses, former factories, and model villages, becoming a unique cultural brand for Zhongshan.
(Photo: Culture, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Zhongshan Municipality)
Surrounded by lush greenery, the Xiangshan Study at Zimaling Park (紫马岭公园香山书房) is a peaceful spot offering more than 8,000 books. It also hosts cultural events and art exhibitions, serving as a dynamic space for both reading and community engagement.
(Photo: Zhongshan Fabu)
Location: On the west side of the large lawn south of Zimaling Park, Boai Sixth Road, Dongqu Sub-district, Zhongshan (中山市东区街道博爱六路紫马岭公园南面大草坪西侧)
Opening hours: 9:00-20:00
Jingtang Library, Jiangmen
Founded in 1922 by Feng Pingshan in memory of his father, Feng Jingtang, Jingtang Library (景堂图书馆) has become a cultural gem of Xinhui District, Jiangmen. The library houses a collection of over 570,000 books across various fields, including literature, history, science, and art. Among these are 13,577 ancient texts, with 798 rare editions, making it one of Guangdong's top county-level libraries.
(Photo: Culture, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Jiangmen Municipality)
Location: No. 16 Renshou Road, Xinhui District, Jiangmen (江门市新会区会城仁寿路16号)
Opening hours: 9:00-21:30 from Tuesday to Sunday
Author: Huang Xinying
Poster: Cai Junru
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
