Although it is spring already, the rainy weather in Hangzhou still continues. According to the Meteorological Observatory, this kind of weather will not stop until March. In this kind of weather, to stay indoors would be a wise choice, so why not head to some of the famous and stylish bookstores in Hangzhou …
The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocent Age Book Bar is Hangzhou’s premier place for cultural recreation and social networking, featuring a synthesis of book culture together with a pub ambience. The bar has a book corridor, a literature and movie salon, an English corner together with cozy lounges and rooms. A multi-functioned hall is suitable for different kinds of lectures, cocktail parties, and performances. Thousands of books are waiting for you to purchase and read. Above all, this is a perfect oasis for you to relax and make new friends. Various kinds of drinks, coffee, tea pastries, and snacks are available.
Address: No. 8 Qianshan Road, Baochu Pagoda, Beishan Street, Xihu District, Hangzhou 杭州市西湖区北山街保俶塔前山路8号
Xiaosong Library
It is a public library initiated by Gao Xiaosong (a famous Chinese-language composer, songwriter, music producer, director, and "Campus Folk" representative). The library houses over 50,000 books, mainly about literature, history and philosophy. Each one is carefully selected and highly readable.
Xiaosong Library consists of two floors. More than ten wood-color bookshelves soar up to the roof. The inside of the library is characterized by fragrance of books and quiet ambience, and the outside features wondrous work of nature, giving people a sense of returning to the university campus.
Address: Liangzhu Culture and Art Center, Liangzhu Culture Village, Yuhang District, Hangzhou 杭州市余杭区良渚文化村良渚文化艺术中心
Hours: 09:00 to 20:00 from Tuesday to Sunday, reservations are needed and can be done through the official website and Wechat platform of Xiaosong Library.
Zhong Shu Ge
Zhong Shu Ge differs from other bookshops in that it uses every space to show off its extensive collection of books, even the pillars act as bookshelves. The main hall is submerged in a sea of books and the whole shop covers an area of 1000 sq m. It even has a 200 sq m circular screen reading hall where the whole wall is filled with books which, under the reflection of the ceiling mirrors, appears to reach to the skyline. So, you could say that in this bookshop you really can expand your knowledge of reading.
The most imaginative part of Zhong Shu Ge is the children’s section. With an area of over 200 sq m, its theme is the book playground, which is full of fairytale charms such as the merry-go-round, roller coaster, hot-air balloon and pirate ship. These creations are not only decorative but are also the uniquely designed bookshelves aimed at attracting little minds.
Address: F2, Starlight International Plaza, 228 Jiangnan Avenue, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 杭州市滨江区江南大道228号星光国际广场F2
Librairie avant-garde
The famous Librairie avant-garde in Nanjing enjoys a high reputation both in China and abroad. Last year, it was rated as one of the ten best bookstores in the world by the American National Geographic magazine, and it is the only library which has been chosen in Asia. Yunxi Library is the 11th branch of Librairie avant-garde and the first branch in Hangzhou.
It is nestled in remote mountains and is the rebuild of two She ethnic residences made of yellow mud and wood. The bookshelves, desks and seats are all in keeping with the original appearance of the She nationality, and the library has an area of 150 sq m and has a collection of nearly 20000 books which cover 4000 different types such as folk culture, geography, local literature, biography, poetry, photography and academy cultures.
Address: Daijiashan Village, She Nationality Township, E Shan, Tonglu County, Hangzhou 杭州市桐庐县莪山畲族乡戴家山村