Wondering how to navigate the expansive Beijing Library? Start by familiarizing yourself with its new seating guidelines designed to help readers enjoy the space more efficiently.
The library now has clear rules for finding a seat and keeping it: leaving your seat for more than 60 minutes means you automatically forfeit it. But there's much more to explore in this Forest Reading Hall. Let's find out!
The library boasts a floor area of about 75,000 square meters, with a capacity to house up to 8 million books, and has around 2,400 seats for readers.
The reading section unfolds across a series of rising levels, with four themed paths leading you to distinct book collections. Chunchu Path (春楮径) features books on culture and tourism; Xiamo Path (夏墨径) focuses on law books; Qiuhao Path (秋毫径) is dedicated to natural science books, and Dongshi Path (冬石径) to reference books. Ascend the Four Seasons Paths, pick up a book, and read it on the spot.
At this Forest Reading Hall, everyone can find their own way to enjoy the space.
For families with children, the Children's Library is an ideal destination. Here, young readers will find a wide selection of books in dedicated areas, plus interactive exhibits, 4D screenings, and family reading activities.
Lovers of traditional culture can visit the Rare Book Division. This area houses the Reading Room for Historical Books, Beijing Museum of Classic Books, and Teaching Centre for Chinese Classics. Here, visitors can browse rare historical texts and observe the restoration processes of ancient books.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage Collection Division is China's first comprehensive reading space devoted to intangible cultural heritage publications. Spanning about 1,675 square meters, it houses 20,000 books and other materials, combining reading with displays and hands-on activities. The Art Collection Division has a large collection of vinyl records, paired with audiophile-grade audio equipment and 8K ultra-high-definition video and 3D audio technologies, delivering a spectacular audiovisual experience.
Want to try something innovative? Visit the Metaverse Experience Hall, where you can create your own digital avatar and interact with virtual personas such as "Lu Xun", "TuTu", and "2122" as you explore the boundless world of knowledge.
(Source: Beijing Tongzhou Fabu)
