Huangpu district has a treasure trove of bookstores that cater to every bibliophile's delight. From the nostalgic ambiance of the Shanghai Old Bookstore to the international allure of the Foreign Language Bookstore, each store holds its own charm and collection of literary gems.

 

Shanghai Old Bookstore

In a cozy space of less than 20 square meters, the Shanghai Old Bookstore on Guangdong Road houses over 3,000 books, ranging from yellowed ancient thread-bound volumes to modern paperbacks, each carrying traces of history and narrating stories of the past.

Here, you can discover books that are nearly extinct in the market or come across precious unique copies. The bookstore offers a wide range of genres, covering literature, history, philosophy, art, and more.

Location: No 620 Guangdong Road

 

Foreign Language Bookstore

On Fuzhou Road stands a striking red-brick building. This is the Foreign Language Bookstore.

Upon entering the store, you'll be greeted by shelves filled with original foreign-language books, ranging from literary and social sciences to arts and children's books.

The store offers books in 35 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Japanese. For those interested in learning different languages, the bookstore also has a dedicated section for language learning materials.

Location: No 390 Fuzhou Road

 

Tangning Books

Tangning Books is housed in a shikumen-style mansion built in the 1920s. In addition to its rich book collection and unique cultural atmosphere, the establishment also offers coffee and wine. Readers can choose a weathered glazed wooden chair, select a favorite drink, relax, and get lost in a book.

Location: No 118 Middle Fuxing Road

 

Sinan Books · Poetry Store

Sinan Books · Poetry Store sits on the former site of the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, which was built in the 1930s.

The bookstore has renovated the original architectural style of the church while retaining its essence. Inside, shelves extend up all the way to the circular dome. Coupled with the light filtering through, it creates a sacred and serene atmosphere for reading.

The collection at Sinan Books · Poetry Store consists mainly of literary and artistic volumes such as poetry, essays, and biographies. The bookstore also hosts various cultural activities including literary lectures and poetry recitals.

Location: No 16 Gaolan Road

 

Toyou Books

Toyou Books is located inside The Roof, also known as The Red Building, a new lifestyle development designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel. Inspired by the Danxia landform, this commercial complex integrates architecture, nature, and art through about 2,500 vertical flower pots.

Toyou Books' design is equally ingenious. The name of the bookstore comes from Dayou Mountain and Xiaoyou Mountain, which were places where scholars stored books to avoid being burned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, symbolizing the inheritance of Chinese culture.

During the day, Toyou serves as a tranquil reading space to savor coffee and browse through books. After 8:30 pm, the bookstore transforms into a cozy wine bar, offering a variety of exquisite wines and allowing readers to enjoy a glass in the sea of books.

 

Source: WeChat account of the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Huangpu District