
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Beijing, China

1. Beijing Bookworm
This cozy spot combines a bookstore, library, and cafe. It has a wide selection of English-language books, making it ideal for foreign visitors. The venue often hosts events, such as book readings and literary festivals, for an engaging cultural experience.
- Language: Offers many English-language books.
- Atmosphere: Cozy setting with a cafe vibe.
- Events: Regularly hosts cultural and literary activities.

2. Page One Bookstore
Located in Sanlitun, this large store offers a mix of architecture, design, and photography books. The modern design and spacious layout make browsing comfortable. Its strong focus on visual arts draws artists and design enthusiasts.
- Focus: Specializes in visual arts books.
- Design: Modern and spacious layout.
- Location: Situated in the lively Sanlitun area.

3. Chinese National Library
As the largest library in Asia, it boasts an impressive collection of over 37 million items. The library provides insights into China's history and culture through its vast archives. Visitors can explore ancient texts and modern collections alike.
- Size: Largest library in Asia.
- Historical: Extensive historical texts and documents.
- Cultural Significance: Provides deep insights into Chinese history and culture.

4. Borges Bookstore
This unique bookstore in the 798 Art District offers a space filled with books and art. It stands out for its integration of literary and art culture, serving as both a bookstore and a gallery. Ideal for art lovers who want to explore a dynamic fusion of media.
- Integration: Combination of art and books.
- Location: Situated in the 798 Art District.
- Ambiance: Blends literary and artistic vibes.

5. Fang Suo Commune
Known for its artistic ambiance, this bookstore in Taikoo Li features an expansive collection of books and designer products. The impressive architectural design offers a peaceful and artistic experience. Popular among those seeking both cultural insights and stylish spaces.
- Design: Architecturally impressive with modern aesthetics.
- Collections: Comprehensive selection of books and creative items.
- Environment: Calm and artistic ambiance.

6. Page One Beijing Capital Airport
Ideal for travelers, it provides a serene spot to browse and relax while waiting for a flight. The store offers a wide range of paperbacks and magazines in various languages. Perfect for picking up a book for a journey.
- Location: Conveniently located at the airport.
- Selection: Variety of languages available.
- Convenience: Ideal for travelers waiting for flights.

7. Wangfujing Bookstore
A massive, multi-level bookstore located in the bustling shopping street of Wangfujing. It offers a huge selection of books across different subjects, making it a one-stop shop for booklovers. Its central location makes it easy to access for tourists.
- Size: Large and multi-level.
- Location: Centrally located in a major shopping area.
- Variety: Diverse range of book subjects.

8. Capital Library of China
Known for its modern facilities and extensive resources, it is a hub for research and study. The library is particularly prized for its wide-ranging digital resources. A great spot for those looking to study or access scholarly materials.
- Facilities: Modern and well-equipped.
- Resources: Extensive digital library.
- Utility: Ideal for research and study purposes.

9. Librairie Avant-Garde (Beijing Branch)
This bookstore is located in a former underground car park, presenting a unique environment. It's renowned for its collection of philosophical and artistic texts. Its unconventional setting appeals to those interested in exploring alternative spaces.
- Setting: Unique underground location.
- Selection: Focus on philosophy and art books.
- Ambiance: Alternative and thought-provoking vibe.

10. Danxiang Huayu Bookstore
Located near Tsinghua University, it specializes in academic texts and educational resources. The serene environment makes it a favored spot for students and academics. Great for deep dives into scholarly subjects.
- Specialty: Academic and university-focused texts.
- Proximity: Located near a prestigious university.
- Environment: Quiet and conducive to studying.

11. One Way Street Library
A cultural salon that doubles as a bookstore, offering a mix of books, coffee, and conversations. Known for its frequent lectures, readings, and cultural events. It's a social space for intellectual engagement.
- Events: Hosts reading and cultural discussions.
- Atmosphere: Combination of library and cafe.
- Community: Focused on intellectual and social engagement.

12. O2Sun Bookstore
A modern bookstore specializing in lifestyle and travel. Located in Joy City, its stylish interior makes browsing pleasurable. It appeals to those interested in contemporary culture and design.
- Specialty: Focus on lifestyle and travel books.
- Design: Modern and attractive layout.
- Location: Situated in a popular mall for easy access.

13. SKP Rendezvous Bookstore
Situated inside the high-end SKP mall, this bookstore blends luxury shopping with intellectual browsing. Known for its curated selection of fashion, art, and culture books. Its luxury mall setting appeals to upscale travelers.
- Luxury: Located in a high-end shopping mall.
- Curated Selection: Focus on fashion and culture.
- Environment: Combines luxury shopping with book browsing.

14. Taiwan Bookstore
Offers a special selection of books imported from Taiwan, with a focus on literature and humanities. The store provides insights into Taiwanese culture and perspective. Ideal for readers interested in cross-strait literary works.
- Specialty: Focus on Taiwanese literature.
- Cultural: Offers a different cultural perspective.
- Selection: Unique cross-strait offerings.

15. Xinhua Bookstore
Part of China's largest and most well-known bookstore chain, this location in Beijing is a symbol of Chinese literature. It offers an extensive selection of books across various categories. Known for its comprehensive stock of Chinese books.
- Reputation: Part of China's biggest bookstore chain.
- Variety: Extensive selection of Chinese literature.
- Significance: Symbolic and historically important.

16. Ayong Bookstore
Nestled in a hutong, this small bookstore offers a curated selection of books reflecting Beijing culture. The charming setting allows visitors to experience the traditional hutong lifestyle while enjoying a good read. Perfect for those searching for local cultural books.
- Setting: Located in a traditional Beijing hutong.
- Focus: Curated Beijing cultural literature.
- Atmosphere: Traditional and cozy.

17. Old Books Collections
Specializes in rare and out-of-print books, perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts. The shop offers a nostalgic dive into the past with its collection. Ideal for those searching for rare literary finds.
- Specialty: Rare and out-of-print books.
- Collectibility: Appeals to book collectors.
- Focus: Emphasis on historical and nostalgic works.

18. Zhongshuge Bookstore
Features stunning architectural design with mirrors and bookshelves that create an infinite space illusion. It's designed to engage visitors visually as they explore a wide selection of modern books. Perfect for design enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
- Design: Visually mesmerizing architectural style.
- Selection: Modern book offerings.
- Experience: Engaging and immersive environment.

19. Starry Street Bookstore
Located in a quiet suburban area, this store offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It caters to lovers of calm environments and literary exploration. A serene retreat for peaceful reading sessions.
- Location: Positioned in a tranquil suburban area.
- Ambiance: Quiet and calming.
- Focus: Emphasizes peaceful reading experiences.

20. Bookstore of the People’s University
Situated within Renmin University, it holds a range of educational and scholarly materials. It provides resources mainly for students and academics. Suitable for those seeking educational texts in a university setting.
- Academic Focus: Emphasis on educational resources.
- Location: Situated within a top Beijing university.
- Resource: Broad array of scholarly materials.