Hidden Bookshops For The Beijing Bibliophile

Even though Beijing boasts a number of lavish shopping malls, the absence of bookshops in them is often perplexing. There is no doubt that China has as many bibliophiles as other countries. It appears, however, that the concept of bookshops as people know it in the west is interpreted differently with the help of technology and well-priced online book retailers. For those who still swear to the superiority of traditional bookshops, we have found Beijing’s hidden little gems.

1. Zhengyang Shuju (One and Two)

Bookstore, Shop

Zhengyang Shuju was created with the book collection of its owner Cui Yong, whose passion has been to preserve and share “Old Beijing”. This small shop is piled up with a dog-eared collection of Chinese maps and books and it requires a certain amount of investigative spirit to dig up the good stuff of Beijing’s fascinating history records. The owner’s love for books led to the opening of a second Zhengyang Shuju bookstore located in a tranquil courtyard by an ancient pagoda, which also has a small collection of English books.

2. The Bookworm

Cafe, Restaurant, Bar, Food Court, Bistro, American

The Bookworm in Beijing is not just a bookshop, but one of the city’s major cultural hubs. Local and foreign culture lovers that crave to be surrounded by stacks of books while enjoying a cup of coffee need look no further. The Bookworm includes a café-restaurant with a rare selection of whiskeys, and hosts a number of events such as movie screenings, comedy nights, lectures, literary festivals, and various poetry and writing workshops. It has been named one of “The Best Bookshops in the World” by Lonely Planet.

3. Civilian Mobile Library

Library

With the motto ‘reading changes you; you change the world’, the Civilian Mobile Library is an unique place where visitors are allowed to pick up a book for free. The idea behind this is that everyone can help themselves to a book, and when they finish with it pass it on to someone else. Tucked away in a little hutong near Yonghegong Lama Temple, the Civilian Mobile Library has a charming location that attracts both locals and foreigners. The majority of the books are Chinese with a steadily growing English collection.

5. Poplar Kid’s Republic bookshop

Bookstore

Poplar Kid’s Republic is an independent bookshop for children in Beijing. Designed by SAKO, it is a quirky microworld of bright colour and play that fascinates both children and adults alike. Poplar Kid’s Republic was the first bookshop in China to specialize in children’s picture books. The design encourages the children to pick up a book and climb into one of the imaginative “reading cubbies” which basically are holes of different sizes that have been integrated into the bookshelves and lined with colorful fabric. Poplar’s Kid’s Republic Bookshop includes 3,000 illustrated storybooks from Europe, America, Japan and China.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers