Beijing is a city full of people who love to read. People can read at the grand National Library of China, the smaller yet captivating reading spaces or cafes, and of course, the distinctive bookstores with unique themes. For those visiting Beijing, why not slow down for a minute, walk into a bookstore, and dive into a good book?

National Library of China [Photo via tuchong.com]

The National Library of China, also known as the National Center for the Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Books, and the National Museum of Classic Books, is comprised of three premises in two locations within Beijing: the South and North Areas of the Main Library at 33 Zhongguancun South Street, and the Ancient Books Library at 7 Wenjin Street.

The National Library of China has the largest collection of Chinese literature of any library in the world. It is also the most accessible national library in the world. The forerunner of the National Library of China was the Imperial Library of Peking, which was established on September 9, 1909 by the government of the Qing dynasty and was officially opened to the public in August of 1912. After several name changes, it was renamed the National Library of China in 1998.

The Honglou Public Library, located at 24 Xisi South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, was built in 1945, which had been renovated from the famous Honglou Cinema. In 2018, it reopened with a new look. The Honglou Public Library embodies the concept of "Sharing through reading", and manages to exude atmosphere despite its small façade. Its interior space is divided into a café and relaxation area, a book borrowing area in the middle hall, a cultural and creative area (Chongben Hall) in the north. There is so much excitement waiting for visitors to explore.

Once a landmark building, the Southeast Corner Turret on Beijing's outer city wall is now a library featuring old Beijing characteristics. It houses a collection of nearly 10,000 books on Beijing's history, personal accounts, and stories of the old lifestyle in the city. No matter where you are from, you'll find something interesting to learn about Beijing, both past and present.

The Map Store is the country's only bookstore featuring various ancient, modern, local, and foreign map products. It has become a unique and new cultural landmark, making it a popular must-see attraction among Beijing bookstores, due to its cultural distinctiveness and creativity.

Located on South Lishi Road in Xicheng District, Beijing, the Lishi Study is a bookstore/café hybrid where you can smell the aroma of coffee as soon as you enter the venue. The bookstore is simple in style, tastefully arranged, and decorated with greenery. It combines traditional and modern styles, providing you with a quiet and pleasant reading environment.