One-way Street Library
One-way Street Library is not a library in its real sense. Actually, it is a two-story bookstore, hosting free discussions and lectures regularly. Nowadays, it is one of the most stylish, distinctive bookstores in Beijing and enjoys high reputation among Chinese writers, scholars and critics. The books are selected meticulously and choicely, aiming to provide high quality books for readers. A collection of books in English are also available in the bookshop. Apart from the high-caliber collection of books, One-way Street endeavours to organize regular lectures given by distinguished scholars. As its slogan “We Read the World” suggests, it provides a chance for us to escape from daily life, reflect on current issues and gain new inspirations. If you are interested in the bookstore culture and curious about what Chinese young people care most, please come to One-way Street Library during your Beijing tours.
Origination and Location
One-way Street Library possesses limited space and book collection. But it has a rich history and develops high reputation in Beijing. It was started by thirteen young people in 2006 when it was located in Yuanmingyuan Park, Haidian District. The district is crowded with most well-known universities in China. And the bookstore creates a space for young students and accomplished scholars to gather and discuss the current issues. The lectures are all free and open to public.
However, One-way Street Library has experienced several crisis during its development due to economic reasons. The budget also accounts for its several relocations. Nowadays, the bookstore is situated in Blue Harbour, Chaoyang District. It will move to Joy City in Chaoyang District soon.
A Comfortable Place to Read Books
Bookstores are places for readers to relax themselves and escape from the harsh daily life. People reflect on their present lives and acquire new inspirations after reading. The uniqueness of One-way Street Library lies in its selection of high quality books. A special group of its management team is dedicated to selecting books. Besides, coffee is also served in the bookstore with charges. Readers are able to enjoy the books as well as the sweet-smelling coffee.
Regular Events
Regular discussions and lectures are the primary reason for its popularity among Chinese literary crowd. All of these events are free of charge and open to public. Most of the lectures are concerned with current issues or intellectual topics. Different opinions are welcomed and free debates shapen your mind and cultivate new thinking. Many well-known authors and artists have been invited to give lectures and host discussions, including folk singer Zhou Yunpeng, art critic Chen Danqing, writer Yu Hua, and film director Jia Zhangke. Distinguished scholars from overseas are also invited, for example, the professor in Oxford and writer of the book Free World Thomas Ash. One Way Street Library is concerned with how to provoke valuable thoughts and formulate creative way of thinking among young intellectuals.
Thanks to its regularly interesting events and peaceful environment, One-way Street Library attacts numerous readers. But the bookshop offers them more than a place to read. It provides space for free debates on the issues related to present world.
Many interesting bookstores have blossomed throughout China. If you prefer to spend your afternoon in quiet reading, they are wonderful destinations. It will be great experiences for your China travel. You will never regret for visiting these distinctive bookstores.