Even if you pass by the Stoic Book Village, it is easy to miss. The unassuming entrance lacks typical signage, but its wooden door, vine-covered stone walls, and freely growing plants project an irresistible charm. Nestled beside Peking University, this bookstore, which doesn't look much like a bookstore, has been a quiet companion to readers for over 20 years.  

On a winter's day, a visit to the Stoic Book Village at No. 1 Changchun Yuan reveals a serene space imbued with the scent of old books. Beyond the wooden door and the vine-covered nameplate, a quaint path of stone slabs leads visitors into a world steeped in literary nostalgia.  

Specializing in humanities and social sciences, the bookstore houses approximately 4,000 titles, about 80% of which are second-hand books. Its "village chief," Zheng Yu, recalls how the bookstore began. Recognizing that students at Peking University often left behind valuable books upon graduation or when studying abroad, he wanted these books to continue circulating, perpetuating their cultural value.

Many of the books at the Stoic Book Village come from owner Zheng Yu's tireless scavenging efforts. In April of this year, he learned online about a bookstore named Zhaohui Library in Luohe, Henan Province, that was selling a batch of old books. Without hesitation, he boarded a green train from Beijing West Railway Station and traveled to Luohe. Over several sweat-drenched days, he carefully selected more than 1,000 valuable books. In between his book-hunting, he accompanied the bookstore owner, Zhaohui, to witness golden wheat fields and farmers combating drought. "Humanistic feelings don't float in the air; they must connect to the land, life, and people of various backgrounds," said Zheng. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of the Stoic Book Village.

The bookstore's collection is eclectic, but a dedicated shelf displays literary magazines like Harvest, October, and People's Literature. These relics from the 1980s, with their yellowed pages and some even wrapped in protective covers, are part of Zheng's years-long efforts to gather treasures from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and beyond.

"I can live simply and frugally, but when it comes to materials and books of value, I'll spare no expense," Zheng shared. Over the past two decades, he has single-handedly sustained the bookstore through his determination, finding in it immense joy and fulfillment.

Each Object Tells a Story

Years ago, Zheng often spent his free time at the Wan Sheng Bookstore(Wansheng Shuyuan), which he described as a storyteller brimming with wisdom and shared experiences, serving generations of readers in quiet solidarity. Little did he imagine that his passion for books would turn into a lifelong career.

Founded in the late 20th century in a 30-square-meter hutong near Peking University and Tsinghua University, the Stoic Book Village began as a cozy space for literary activities, film screenings, music appreciation, and cultural salons, benefiting countless Peking university students.

Zheng also brought back the candle holders, lamps, bookshelves, and sofas from scholars' offices, along with items such as violins salvaged from middle schools, rattan chairs purchased from nearby restaurants, and a vintage record player recovered from a corner recycling station. These objects, marked by the passage of time, remain "healthy and well," now forming a unique part of this bookstore's character.

The bookstore's numerous bookshelves are equally storied. Zheng pointed to a white bookshelf, originally a red record shelf, acquired from the audio-visual space of Yao Ji, a professor and collector of vinyl records. "Time has left its imprint here. The object itself carries traces of its past and connects us to its history and memory."

By the afternoon, the winter sunlight bathed the courtyard, illuminating its seemingly unassuming "installations," which became livelier in the golden glow. The courtyard walls, constructed from over 150 pieces of Taian laundry stones brought from Shandong using cranes and forklifts, are complemented by antique bricks sourced from Hebei, stacked like books. A worn-out animal trough from Shandong has been cleverly repurposed into a bench, exuding rustic charm. A short horse-hitching post from Henan completes the setting. In this eclectic space, the free-growing trees, flowers, and grasses harmonize with the books, forming a singular tableau. This bespoke atmosphere reflects Zheng Yu's aesthetic aspirations. "I aim to create an environment that weaves literary and cinematic artistic effects together," he explained. "Without culture to guide it, art lacks depth; without art's embellishment, culture becomes dull and lifeless."

Fostering Warm Connections

The name "Stoic Book Village" is rooted in the philosophy of the ancient Greek Stoic school, and Zheng Yu has spent decades practicing its principles: "An individual is self-sufficient, and personal happiness lies in inner tranquility and harmony with nature." At the same time, the word "Bookhouse" resonates with the traditional Chinese philosophical concept of harmony between humanity and nature.

"We are like a space for reflection and healing, as well as a venue for deep social connections," Zheng described. Over the years, art colleges, philosophy departments, Chinese departments, and other academic faculties from various universities have repeatedly held salons and events here focusing on classical studies and other disciplines.

For Zheng Yu, interactions with readers represent his most cherished treasures. Some visitors return to Stoic Book Village a decade later, rekindling memories. To his surprise, word-of-mouth recommendations and online platforms now bring in new faces, who make up two-thirds of the current clientele.

The enduring friendships Zheng has formed with numerous scholars also define the unique landscape of Stoic Book Village. He fondly recalled countless gatherings with the late Peking University Associate Professor Hu Xudong, who would visit frequently during the bookstore's early days. Together, they enjoyed Latin American music and explored contemporary poetry. Many scholars have since returned to organize academic salons in this sanctuary of ideas. 

Translator: FENG Haoxuan

Reviewer: BAI Jing