Shanghai offers a network of 24-hour libraries and bookstores that are open to the public without charge. These spaces are more than just rooms with books; they are serene sanctuaries for night owls or anyone seeking a quiet corner. Here are six fantastic spots to check out.

Heping Library (和平书院)

Nestled within Heping Park, Heping Library is Shanghai's first 24-hour park library. Designed to make visitors feel as though they are reading in the heart of a garden, it was nominated for the Public Library of the Year Award 2025.

If you go

Where: Gate 5, Heping Park, Hongkou district

How to get there: Siping Road metro station (Lines 8 & 10)

Opening Hours:

Main Library (1F): 24 hours, Tuesday to Sunday; Closed Monday from 8 am – 1 pm

Children's Library/Art Gallery: 9 am - 8 pm, Tuesday to Sunday

 

The City Never Sleeps (城市不眠书店)

The City Never Sleeps is a two-story glass building in Pudong that glows like a "long-lasting lamp" throughout the night. It stands as a testament to Shanghai's vibrant literary scene, providing a steadfast, non-stop reading space for the city's night owls.

If you go

Where: No 18 Jinhai Road, Pudong New Area

How to get there: About 800m from Taierzhuang Road metro station (Line 9), Exit 2

 

Cjia Talent Apartment 24-Hour Self-Service Shared Study (宝山大场城家人才公寓共享书房)

This 200-square-meter shared study is Baoshan district's first 24-hour self-service library. It houses over 5,000 books and is connected to the city's public library network, allowing residents to borrow and return books at any time with ease.

If you go

Where: Alley 1599 South Huanzhen Road, Dachang town, Baoshan district

How to get there: 470m from Qi'an Road metro station (Line 15), Exit 1

 

Jiading District Library 24-Hour Self-Service Library (嘉定区图书馆24小时自助图书馆）

The Jiading District Library's 24-Hour Self-Service Library is equipped with two automatic borrowing machines and boasts a collection of over 30,000 books.

If you go

Where: No 1288 South Yumin Road, Jiading district

How to get there: 2km from Baiyin Road metro station (Line 11), Exit 2

 

Home Study (我嘉书房)

Home Study is a network of public reading spaces in the Jiading district. Since 2017, it has grown to more than 30 locations. Integrated with Shanghai's central library system, it allows readers to borrow and return books with a single library card.

If you go

Where: Room 101, No 109 Alley 169 Jiatang Highway, Jiading district

How to get there: About 1.1km from North Jiading metro station (Line 11)

 

Huangpu District Library 24-Hour City Study (黄浦区图书馆24小时城市书房)

This is the first 24-hour public reading space in downtown Shanghai. The 70-square-meter library houses around 3,000 books across a range of genres and is equipped with self-service machines, seating, and charging ports.

If you go

Where: No 655 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu district

How to get there: 290m from People's Square metro station (Lines 1 & 2), Exit 15

Note: Opening hours are subject to adjustment. Always verify with the venue before planning your trip.

 

Sources: Jiading District Media Center, Baoshan District Media Center, Shanghai Observer, WeChat account "Reading Shanghai"