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Zhongshuge (Zhōngshūgé), a bookstore chain designed by the Shanghai-based architectural firm X + Living, is a familiar name to Chinese people. With locations in major cities such as Shanghai, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Beijing, and Chengdu, Zhongshuge has created a sensation with its bookstores designed as architectural masterpieces, each with its own unique style inspired by the culture and natural landscapes of each city.
The Chungshu Pavilion in Chongqing was designed with inspiration from the towering mountains of Chongqing and the city's incredibly complex tiered structures. At the Hangzhou Chungshu Pavilion, one feels as if they've wandered into a crystal forest with transparent pillars, symbolizing tall trees radiating the brilliant light of knowledge and culture. In Beijing, the Chungshu Pavilion space evokes the architecture of a traditional courtyard house, with designs inspired by the imperial gardens and the classic "moon gate" in Chinese culture.
But perhaps the most remarkable is the Chungshu Pavilion in Chengdu, Sichuan, also known as the Dujiangyan Chungshu Pavilion (Dūjiāngyàn Zhōngshūgé), whose design is inspired by the Dujiangyan irrigation system, which is still in use today despite being 2,200 years old – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The seemingly surreal architecture of the Chung Thu Pavilion in Chengdu.
Spanning approximately 10,500 square meters, the Dujiangyan Zhong Bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world thanks to its unique architecture and exquisite design. The most striking feature is the towering bookshelves, designed in the shape of undulating arches, mimicking rivers and terraced rice fields, creating a sense of harmony between knowledge and nature. The dominant color scheme is wood brown, providing a warm, inviting, yet elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.
The floor is tiled with gleaming black tiles, combined with a system of giant mirrors on the ceiling to create a perfect illusion, making the space seem to open up endlessly, like a giant library. The staircase and arched doorways are not just decorative details but also serve to expand and connect different spaces, giving the feeling that you are stepping through the clouds.
Ly Huong, chief architect of X+Living, the company that designed this bookstore, said it took them a month to come up with the concept and five months to complete the project. The meticulousness and sophistication of the architects are evident in every small detail, from the arrangement of the bookshelves and lighting to the use of materials such as walnut wood to create a space that is both modern and natural.
Lighting is an extremely important element in the overall design of Chung Thu Cac. Not only does natural light filter through large windows, but artificial lighting is cleverly placed on each bookshelf, creating a unique visual effect. This not only helps create a sense of boundless space but also makes it easier for customers to find books in a large and detailed area.
Another unique aspect is how the designers used printed copies of books to cover the shelves, creating the illusion that books stretch from floor to ceiling, without needing to display a large number of actual books on high, hard-to-reach shelves. In total, the bookstore has approximately 80,000 real books, neatly arranged and easily accessible, ensuring customers can comfortably browse and read without any difficulty.
The large mirrors on the ceiling create a perfect illusion, making the bookstore seem to stretch on endlessly.
Chung Thu Cac is not just a place to read, but also an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration. Besides towering bookshelves – a vast treasure trove of knowledge with thousands of books – the bookstore also offers various entertainment and relaxation areas such as a coffee shop, an outdoor reading area, and event spaces. This makes it a versatile complex suitable for all ages and needs. Customers can enjoy coffee while immersing themselves in a good book, or hold discussions and meet friends here.
Chung Thu Cac also regularly hosts cultural events such as book launches, author meet-and-greets, and literary seminars. These activities not only attract local residents but also pique the curiosity of tourists who want to explore the space and its intellectual and creative activities.
The children's book section is designed in a colorful and child-friendly style, while still adhering to the overall concept of the bookstore.
With its unique architecture and artistic, culturally rich atmosphere, Chung Thu Cac has become a top destination for those who love novelty and have a passion for books. More than just a bookstore, it is a cultural icon, a haven for adventurous souls, where books, architecture, and art intertwine harmoniously.
