The Best bookstores in China to visit during 2026 are some of the most beautiful, Instagram-worthy and unique bookstores from historic air-raid shelters in Chongqing to cliffside escapes in Guangxi.
China’s bookstores are no longer places to buy books—they are cultural landmarks, design marvels, and social spaces all in one. From historic air-raid shelters in Chongqing and cliffside escapes in Guangxi to stylish cultural hubs in Shenzhen and Nanchang, discover where reading, design, history, and unforgettable experiences converge.
Chongqing: History Hidden in Air-Raid Shelters
In the mountainous city of Chongqing, air-raid shelters hold a unique place in the city’s memory. During WWII, Chongqing endured nearly seven years of bombing. To survive, locals built hundreds of shelters. Between 1937 and 1942, their number grew from 54 to 1,603.
Today, many shelters have found new life as markets, cooling spots, museums, hotpot restaurants, and even bookstores. These air-raid shelter bookstores tell the story of Chongqing’s journey from hardship to prosperity while offering a unique urban experience.
Guangxi: A Cliffside Bookstore with Stunning Views
The Mianhua Tiankeng Tourist Resort in Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County features a cliffside bookstore that has become a social media sensation. Built along the edge of a natural sinkhole, the bookstore blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can enjoy art, coffee, and tea while taking in the dramatic scenery. This innovative design allows people to experience literature and nature at the same time.
Nanchang: A 33-Year Old Cultural Hub
Qingyuan Bookstore in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, has been a cultural landmark for 33 years. Since its founding in 1992, it has focused on humanities and social science books. Its founder, Wan Guoying, believes in “connecting the best books with the readers who need them most.”
In recent years, Qingyuan has evolved into a cultural hub, offering lectures, creative products, a café, and children’s activities. Its bracket-shaped shelves are designed so visitors can reach books on the top or bottom without bending or stretching, embodying the idea that “knowledge should not be out of reach.”
Feixi, Anhui: From Grain Depot to Cultural Space
The Shanghai Sanlian Bookstore at Juxing Liangyi 1953 in Feixi County occupies a former grain depot built in 1953. By preserving the original architecture while adding modern reading and cultural spaces, it transformed a place of physical nourishment into one of intellectual and cultural enrichment.
Shenzhen: A Journey Through Time at Yuishin Bookstore
Shenzhen’s Yuishin Bookstore is often called the city’s most beautiful bookstore. Its circular entrance resembles a tunnel through time, drawing visitors into a literary world. Inside, a giant Möbius strip bookshelf catches the eye, while light filtering through the gaps creates a dreamy, starry effect.
Zhongshuge Bookstores: Iconic Architecture Across Cities
Zhongshuge Bookstore has become a cultural icon in both Shenzhen and Dujiangyan, Sichuan. Its striking architecture attracts visitors who come to read, explore, and take photos.
Shijiazhuang: Holiday Reading for Young Minds
Bookstores in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, are busy during the holidays. Children dive into books, enjoying a world of stories and learning, creating joyful summer memories surrounded by literature.
Beijing Hutongs: Reading Among History
In Beijing, hutongs—narrow alleyways that form the city’s “capillaries”—offer a special backdrop for reading and cultural experiences. Local bookstores let people read, socialise, and enjoy the charm of these historic neighbourhoods. Recent urban renewal has given hutongs new energy, allowing visitors to experience both traditional charm and modern vibrancy.
If you liked this article, why not read: Guangxi’s Giant Sinkhole Gets a Stunning Cliffside Bookstore
