Shanghai's first library located within a railway station has opened at Shanghai South Railway Station, offering travelers a peaceful retreat for spiritual discovery.

This 400-square-meter reading space is a collaboration between China Railway Shanghai Group and the Zikawei Library. It aims to become a cultural beacon in the transportation hub, enriching the journeys of 30 million annual passengers.

Located on the second floor of the station, the library's collection offers an array of genres, including local culture, travel guides, arts and life, architecture, economics and management, and classic literature.

A child-friendly reading area has been set up in the priority passenger waiting zone, where young travelers can enjoy comic books and children's stories.

Books are available for on-site reading only and cannot be borrowed.

The new library is part of the city's Lighthouse Program, a public reading initiative designed to promote a culture of reading and improve access to books across Shanghai.

"To weave reading into the fabric of daily life, and let the fragrance of books permeate every vein of the city — this is the mission of public libraries. The launch of the X-Lighthouse Library in Shanghai South Railway Station is another effort to extend our cultural services," said Fang Yunfang, director of the Zikawei Library.

The library also plans to host a variety of activities, such as travel book recommendations and reading sharing sessions.

(Updated on Aug 7, 2025)

Sources: China Railway Shanghai Group, Shanghai Observer