Celebrating World Book Day in Shanghai offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's vibrant literary landscape, where bookstores stand as cultural icons and community hubs. 

From the newly renovated Shanghai Book City to the cozy independent bookshops tucked away in the city's alleys, Shanghai's diverse array of bookstores beckons both residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the joy of reading. 

As we commemorate World Reading Day, let's take a closer look at the rich tapestry of literary experiences awaiting book lovers in this bustling metropolis.

 

Shanghai Book City

As one of Shanghai's important cultural landmarks, Shanghai Book City has made a magnificent return with an upgrade, following its two-year closure.

The revitalized book city has completely rebuilt its original structure, housing tens of thousands of books within its seven-story space. Three towering atriums surrounded by bookshelves have been transformed into three small cultural squares within this "vertical" city, which will be used to host various events in the future.

If you go:

Address: No 465 Fuzhou Road

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am - 9:30 pm

 

Duoyun Bookstore · Dishui Lake Store

Every Duoyun Bookstore is art. The stunning lake view at the new Dishui Lake store is not to be missed. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the lake shimmers, making it a paradise in the bustling city.

The entire store integrates a library, bookstore, literary exhibition hall, and event space. You can quietly enjoy the lake view, savor the smell of books, and find solace for both your mind and soul. 

 

If you go:

Address: 5-7F, Culture and Art Center, Gangcheng Square, No 91 West Huanhu Road Number One, Pudong New Area

Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

 

 

Zikawei Library

Zikawei Library, located in the heart of Xujiahui district, was jointly created by internationally renowned architectural firms and is adjacent to several well-known landmarks, including the Xujiahui Cathedral, exuding a strong literary and artistic atmosphere.

The entire space spans four floors, housing over 80,000 volumes and more than 800 reading spaces. The highlight of the collection, the "Gateway of Light", offers a stunning sunlit reading area where visitors can enjoy the view of the cathedral. 

If you go:

Address: No 158 North Caoxi Road

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

 

 

Banana Fish Bookstore

When it comes to independent art bookstores in Shanghai, Banana Fish cannot be overlooked. It focuses on independent magazines and publications, offering books that are not typical prints from mainstream publishers but rather niche publishers, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts!

If you go:

Address: No 7 Hongbaoshi Road, Changning district

 

 

Shanghai Library East 

Shanghai Library East is located beside Century Park. This 115,000-square-meter giant diamond-shaped building is currently the largest standalone library in China. At 50 meters tall, it consists of seven above-ground floors and two underground levels, and its exterior is impressive.

Most of the reading spaces feature oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, providing views of classic cityscapes such as Lujiazui and Century Avenue from different angles. During moments of relaxation while reading and studying, gazing at the city and the spreading forest below is truly enchanting and therapeutic!

If you go:

Address: No 300 Hehuan Road, Pudong New Area

Hours: 

1F-3F: Monday, 1:30 pm-8:30 pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am-8:30 pm

4-7F: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm

 

JIC Books 

Nestled against the bustling and scenic riverside, JIC Books possesses a unique simplicity and tranquil charm. Its reading room, reminiscent of the magical world of Hogwarts, undoubtedly provides an ideal reading space for book lovers.

As a biography-themed bookstore, JIC Books doesn't feature widely known bestsellers. Instead, it categorizes books from a biographical perspective, using biographies to narrate cultural stories.

If you go:

Address: 1st Floor, Jiayu Building, Building 8, No 18 Gongping Road

 

 

Read & Social@TheBund 

Located in the BFC Bund Financial Center, Read & Social@TheBund boasts a spacious reading area of over 1,000 square meters in a prime location. The bookstore goes beyond a singular enclosed space, making full use of the public areas with an open design that exudes a sense of style in every corner.

The book selection in the store is impressive. Setting itself apart from some stores focused solely on bestsellers, Read & Social@TheBund features a "Non-Bestselling Books" section. Annotations such as "Although I don't sell well, I am a good book" bring a knowing smile and endearment to visitors.

If you go:

Address: B2, North Block, BFC Bund Financial Center, No 600 East Zhongshan Road Number Two

 

 

Rhino Bookstore

As the first secondhand bookstore in Shanghai, Rhino Bookstore has found its home on Beisuzhou Road after five relocations. It has transitioned from a traditional alley shop to a store with an independent street front, yet it remains a unique presence.

The store houses various editions of old and collectible books from the Republic of China era (1912-1949), most of which are personally curated by the owner, and possess significant cultural and historical value. The store lacks any sense of being an internet sensation but the cultural significance carried by the books is worth exploring.

If you go:

Address: Room A101, No 1040 Beisuzhou Road

 

 

Mystery Books

Created by the mystery novelist Shi Chen, the fictitious detective specialty store, formerly known as the Lonely Island Bookstore, the shop is regarded by many mystery fans as a "must-visit bookstore". After its closure in 2022, the store has been renamed Mystery Books and has returned with a fresher design, a larger space, and a high level of curiosity.

If you go:

Address: No 48 Weide Road, Yangpu district

 

(Updated on Aug 19, 2025)

 

Source: WeChat account "ShanghaiWow"