#Urbanculture

A Shanghai bookstore renowned for its futuristic interior design, which has been drawing enthusiastic crowds even through the recent summer rainstorms, is being lauded as one of the city’s latest cultural and tourism landmarks. Locals and visitors alike are flocking to the site, which has, since its 2013 opening, become a shining symbol of the dramatic transformation underway in China’s traditional bookstore sector (CGTN).

The emergence of this bookstore as a magnet for both culture-seekers and tourists is emblematic of broader shifts in urban China, where physical bookstores are evolving from mere retail outlets into experiential destinations. Despite the digital boom—e-books, online retailers, and audiobooks—demand for tactile, immersive reading environments persists and appears to be growing, particularly among younger generations and urban professionals seeking communal experiences and creative inspiration.

A Shanghai bookstore famed for its futuristic interior design is drawing steady crowds, rain or shine. Since its 2013 opening, it has emerged as a cultural and tourism beacon in the city, reflecting China’s broader shift toward experiential retail. The format suggests that physical bookstores can thrive as immersive destinations even in the digital age.

Industry observers note that Shanghai’s flagship store exemplifies a trend: readers want more than shelves of books. They seek spaces that blend reading with art, design, and social interaction. This mirrors global patterns in Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok, where iconic bookstores have become social media magnets and popular urban attractions, boosting cultural tourism.