Library is the quietest place in a city, where you can find active minds. As the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday came to an end, take time to visit the libraries in Beijing, and lift your spirits by reading!

01 National Library of China

From Guanghua Temple on the northeast bank of Shichahai to Wenjin Street, the National Library of China has seen its name changed several times and its site moved three times. With a history of almost one hundred years, it is now the largest library in Asia.

On September 9, 1909, the government of the Qing Dynasty approved the construction of the Jingshi Library, which was in Guanghua Temple. In 1917, the library was relocated to the former site of Guozijian South School in Fangjia Hutong. In 1928, the Jingshi Library was renamed the National Peiping Library and moved to Jurentang, Zhongnanhai. After the new building on Wenjin Street was completed in 1931, it moved to No. 7 Wenjin Street, where the present NLC Ancient Books Library is located.

In 1987, the new building of the Beijing Library was completed on the north side of Zizhuyuan Park which is now the southern area of the National Library of China. Over the past 100 years since its establishment, the National Library of China has gradually formed a layered service system for central state organs, key educational and scientific research enterprises and institutions, the general public, and national libraries.

The National Library of China is also home to China’s famed oracle bones and thousands of historically valuable papers. The library houses the royal collections since the Southern Song Dynasty. The earliest collection can be traced back to the oracle bones of Yin Ruins more than 3,000 years ago. The Dunhuang posthumous writings, Zhaochengjin Scripture, Yongle Encyclopedia and Siku Quanshu are the four world-famous treasures here.

Address: No. 33, Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing

02 Capital Library of China

The history of the Capital Library of China  dates back to 1913. It was the combination and evolution of three libraries: the branch library of Jingshi Library advocated by Lu Xun, the Jingshi Popular Library and the Reading Room of the Central Park. At present, the Capital Library of China has become an important knowledge information hub to promote cultural and ethical standards in Beijing. For the past hundred years, the Capital Library of China has accumulated abundant resources such as Beijing local literature, gold and stone maps, old newspapers of the Republic of China, and historical photos.

Beijing local literature center is located in Area A, Floor 9, Block B of the Capital Library of China. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:30. There are classified collections related to Beijing's history, geography, politics, economy, culture, characters and so on. The precious literature shows the streets and alleys and folk customs of old Beijing.

Making the best use of modern information technology and electronic reading technology, the Capital Library of China provides readers with a diversified modern reading experience. It makes it possible for 1.5 million readers with reader’s card to enjoy the library resources online. The “self-service library” makes it possible for readers to return books 24 hours per day. The “portable reading device” makes it possible for readers to enjoy reading wherever they go. the programs such as “touch screen newspaper reading” and “audio reading” are also popular among readers.

Address: No. 88, South East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

03 Honglou Public Library

The predecessor of the Honglou Public Library is the famous Honglou Cinema built in the 1930s and closed down in 2012. In 2018, it turned into a public library and officially opened in 2019. With the overall improvement and renovation of Xi'anmen Street, the facade of the Honglou Public Library turned back to its origianl red color.

Haonglou Public Library is now a compound reading space. With three areas, namely thelibrary area, reading area, and research area, it is the first shared library in China where readers can read books for free.

Address: No. 26, Xisi South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

04 Xiyuetang Library

Xiyuetang Library, adjacent to the Beijing CBD, covers an area of more than 4,000 square meters. It is a compound space integrating a bookstore and a library. The first floor is a bookstore with 26,000 books for readers to choose from. The leisure reading areas distributed in front of windows and bookshelves are often full of readers, and children after school can also find their favorite books in the children's reading area.

Xiyuetang was originally a dilapidated factory with only a steel structure left. After redesign and construction, it was transformed into a modern cultural space with various books and activities.

Address: 3rd Floor, Building 107, No. 27, Xidawang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

05 Liaocang Zhendu Bookstore

The bookstore is a branch of Shijingshan Library, where readers can borrow books with a library card. The bookshelves are full of all kinds of books, including bestsellers, classic literary works, fairytale books and picture books.

When tired of reading, you can also order a special drink with the design elements of Shougang Park or go to the second and third floors to see the immersive exhibition.

Address: Building 2, Jin'an Bridge, Shougang Park, No. 68, Shijingshan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing

In this beautiful autumn, let's open a book and wander in the colorful world inside.