The advent of new-style bookstores for joyful reading
Bookstores play a significant role in cultural consumption and cultural services. In the past, they were considered the go-to places for purchasing books, serving as platforms for the dissemination of culture and the exchange of ideas in cities. However, with the advent of e-reading and shifts in market demands, bookstores are undergoing constant transformations and seeking to explore diverse and captivating avenues for development.
“Great energy” in a “compact space”
Eraser Books, a bookstore nestled in the spring city of Kunming, provides a delightful experience where you indulge in the comforts of a bed, immerse yourself in a good book, and even sleep with one under your pillow. As an independent bookstore, it nurtures a profound bond with the surrounding landscapes, cultural heritage, and the vibrant daily life of the city.
Eraser Books may not be eye-catching from the outside, but it surprises visitors once they step inside. Despite its compact size, the interior of the bookstore is thoughtfully curated, making the most of every inch of space. The second floor features a cozy area for lodging, inviting readers to unwind and enjoy bedtime reading, creating a serene atmosphere that gradually calms the mind.
Eraser Books deviates from the traditional model, resembling more of a treasure trove than a conventional bookstore. Here, shelves are adorned with a delightful blend of handicrafts, tourist souvenirs, and towering stacks of books. The walls are covered with the store owner’s personal recommendations, book reviews, and comments from customers. As you peruse these comments, you will feel as if you were getting acquainted with a diverse array of individuals you’ve never met before.
“My daughter is having a hard time saying goodbye,” said Mr. Li, a visitor from Nanning, Guangxi, who had spent over two hours exploring the bookstore with his family. “This bookstore is enchanting. It’s unlike any library we’ve been to before. It offers a wide selection of popular novels, which both my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed. And the collection of handicrafts and toys adds an extra layer of fascination.”
Adjacent to the bookstore is a charming little garden known as the “Drift Corner.” A clerk revealed that following its refurbishment, this space will become a hub for movie screenings, book exchanges, and book giveaways. These engaging activities are set to enhance the allure of the bookstore.
Savoring serenity in the depths of an alleyway
At Elephant Books, a bookstore in Kunming, you can see a wall adorned with a paragraph by Chinese poet Yu Jian. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Wenlin Street neighborhood in the 1940s, where, as Yu Jian puts it, one had the opportunity to encounter some of China’s most brilliant intellectuals.
Elephant Books is a real treasure trove tucked away within Wenhua Alley on Kunming’s Wenlin Street. Passing through an inconspicuous iron door and descending the steps, one’s gaze is drawn to the word “Elephant” adorning the corner. Inside this sanctuary of knowledge, there are tourists with young children eagerly immersing themselves in the magic of books, citizens quietly engrossed in reading or engaging in hushed discussions to exchange ideas, and others sipping coffee and losing themselves in the momentary tranquility that permeates the air.
“The elephant at the entrance, dozing off with a book in its arms, exudes a carefree demeanor and appears content, as if it were the embodiment of this bookstore’s spirit. This bookstore offers a remarkable selection of foreign language books and vintage magazines, making it truly an intriguing destination,” exclaimed Ms. Cao, who traveled all the way from Chengdu, Sichuan Province to Kunming.
A “public study” and a “city parlor” combined
In Mengzi City, located in southeast Yunnan Province, the Southwest Associated University Librairie Avant-Garde stands as a unique public reading space that seamlessly blends history with modernity. Since its inauguration in March 2023, the bookstore has actively organized over 20 poetry sharing sessions, themed salons, cultural bazaars, and exhibitions, offering readers a diverse range of enriching cultural experiences.
Also available here are various themed cultural and creative products. From souvenirs showcasing the essence of the Southwest Associated University to postcards depicting the picturesque cityscape and local delicacies, these items capture the unique charm and regional temperament of Mengzi, making them perfect mementos for tourists to take home.
Today, the Librairie Avant-Garde has become a beloved spot for locals to visit on weekends and evenings. In many ways, it has transformed into a combination of a “public study” and a “city parlor.” According to Hu Chunfen, head of the Intelligence and Tourism Section at the Mengzi Culture and Tourism Bureau, the bookstore receives a daily footfall of 6,000 to 7,000 visitors since its opening. It has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in Mengzi, providing a wonderful cultural experience that allows the spirit of the Southwest Associated University, which is an essential cultural heritage of Mengzi, to be seen, understood, and shared.
Text by our staff correspondents
Translated by YNTA