How was your long holiday? As work picks up again, are you still holding on to that vacation mood? Here are some indoor destinations where you can read, explore exhibitions, and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere — all at once.

Page One Bookstore (Beijing Fun Store)

Located in the Dashilan Historical and Cultural Protection Area of Xicheng District, Page One Bookstore spans three floors, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an excellent view of the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower. On a crisp autumn day, it's a great place to spend a quiet afternoon reading with a cup of coffee.

Beijing Library

Opened to the public at the end of 2023, Beijing Library is a key cultural landmark of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center in Tongzhou District. Its design draws from the traditional Chinese cultural symbol "Chi Yin" (read seal), featuring two 16-meter-high "book mountains" in an open layout. The roof is supported by ginkgo tree-like canopies, and the 16-meter-high glass facade floods the library with natural light. As you turn the pages, the view outside becomes part of the reading experience.

MARKOR C.A.V.E.

Located in Chaoyang District, MARKOR C.A.V.E. uses cave imagery as a design motif. Above the main entrance, the "Kucha Cave Sky" opening channels natural light from the roof into the interior. The "Stone Cave Staircase" features a dual-spiral design connecting the Basement and second floor rear courtyards. Its exterior is decorated with rocks of varying sizes while the interior features murals painted with vivid mineral pigments such as malachite, lapis lazuli, and cinnabar. Currently on display until October 19, the exhibition "Infinite Wall Imagery: Exploring Mural Language and Innovative Art" showcases over 80 works ranging from traditional mural reproductions to contemporary reinterpretations.

Beijing Minsheng Art Museum

Want to see a spectacular indoor rainbow? Head to the Beijing Minsheng Art Museum in Chaoyang District. The 14-meter-high atrium features rainbow-colored glass spanning two floors. As sunlight passes through the glass, it casts colorful, romantic patterns across the floor and walls. Running until October 30, the exhibition "Whisper of Peaks and Streams: A Grand View of Anhui's Culture and Art" features nearly 400 artifacts and artworks from major archaeological sites such as Lingjiatan, Mopanshan, Shuangdun, Yuhui Village, Weichi Temple, Liuziyunhe, and Ming Zhongdu — many of which have been recognized as among the "Top Ten New Archaeological Discoveries" in China.

Which of these spots speaks to you? Go and make it your next stop!

(Sources: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Beijing Minsheng Art Museum)