Rising along the banks of the historic Tonghui River in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, the Beijing City Library has swiftly become one of China’s most significant cultural destinations. Opened in late 2023 and recognized by TIME Magazine’sWorld’s Greatest Places 2025 list, this architectural wonder redefines what a library can be — a space that merges reading, technology, art, and community life into a single, harmonious experience.

Designed collaboratively by Snøhetta and ECADI (East China Architectural Design and Research Institute), the Beijing City Library stands as the world’s largest continuous reading space. It houses over eight million volumes, and its design — inspired by the ginkgo leaf, a symbol of wisdom and longevity — integrates sustainable architecture, sunlight, and open public accessibility.

This guide aims to help international visitors, especially those traveling from Europe and North America, make the most of their visit to this monumental public space — whether for a few hours, a day, or a deeper three-day exploration.

1. Location & Getting There

1.1 Where It Is

The Beijing City Library is located in Tongzhou District, roughly 20 kilometers east of Tiananmen Square and at the southern end of the Beijing Sub-Center Green Axis — a new cultural corridor that also includes the Beijing Performing Arts Center and the Beijing Grand Canal Museum.

Address:
No. 5, Guangqu East Road, Tongzhou District, Beijing, China.
(北京市通州区广渠东路5号)

1.2 How to Get There

By Metro: Take Line 7 or Line 6 to Beiyunhe East Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Metro fare ranges from ¥3–6 (≈ US $0.40–$0.80).
By Taxi: From central Beijing (e.g., Wangfujing or Sanlitun), expect around 45 minutes, costing ¥90–110 (≈ US $12–15) depending on traffic.
By Ride-Share: Didi (China’s Uber equivalent) is reliable; choose the English app interface for convenience.
From the Airport: From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), it takes about one hour by car; from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX), around 70 minutes.

1.3 Opening Hours & Entry

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily.
Admission: Free. Some special exhibitions may require a small fee (¥20–50 ≈ US $3–7).
Advance Booking: Strongly recommended on weekends and holidays via the official website or WeChat Mini-Program “Beijing City Library” (English version available).
Best Visiting Time: Early morning (9–11 a.m.) for photography, or early evening when the glass atrium glows with sunset light.

2. Architecture, Interior Layout & Key Highlights

2.1 A Ginkgo-Inspired Design

The main building resembles a vast grove of ginkgo trees: arched timber-clad columns rise like trunks supporting a translucent canopy. Natural daylight filters through leaf-like skylights, minimizing artificial lighting. The design reflects both Chinese natural aesthetics and Scandinavian minimalism — a collaboration of cultures that mirrors the library’s mission as a global intellectual hub.

2.2 Main Zones

Central Reading Hall:
The world’s largest single reading space — a sweeping amphitheater with seating for over 2,000 readers. Visitors can walk among terraces lined with shelves and reading desks that flow like waves.
Children’s Interactive Library:
Colorful, tactile, and technology-integrated; ideal for families. Storytelling in English is held every weekend.
Smart Book Retrieval System:
An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) capable of fetching any of 3.5 million archived books within minutes.
Digital Media Zone:
Includes VR reading booths, sound recording studios, and a metaverse reading experience developed with Tsinghua University.
Cultural Event Hall (500 seats):
Hosts lectures, poetry readings, and international author talks — some with simultaneous English interpretation.
Café & Reading Terrace:
Offers artisan coffee (¥35–45 ≈ US $5–6) and local pastries. Try the ginkgo-shaped cookie — an Instagram favorite.

2.3 Photography & Facilities

Photography is allowed in public zones but not in archival areas. Free Wi-Fi and USB-C charging outlets are available throughout. Lockers are free for small items. Restrooms and elevators meet international accessibility standards.

Pro Tip: Bring a light jacket — the air conditioning can be cool even in summer.

3. Activities & Programs

The library hosts over 3,000 cultural events annually, making it a living organism of creativity.

Cultural Lectures: Weekly talks on Chinese philosophy, architecture, or sustainable design.
Calligraphy & Tea Workshops: Usually held in the Cultural Experience Room; registration required (¥100 ≈ US $14 per session).
International Film Screenings: Monthly events co-hosted with embassies or cultural institutes.
VR Literature Lab: Explore immersive storytelling through headsets — free but limited slots.
Weekend Family Events: Interactive story hours and creative writing for children (bilingual).

Reservation Tip:
Check schedules on the library’s official site or WeChat account 1–2 weeks ahead. Many events fill up quickly. Bring your passport for registration.

4. One-Day Visit Itinerary

Morning (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Arrive early to enjoy quiet reading hours. Begin with the central atrium and climb the terraced reading platforms for panoramic views. Don’t miss the main skylight — a favorite spot for photographers.

Lunch (12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)
Eat at the library’s café or walk 5 minutes to the Canal Art Center Bistro, serving light Western and Chinese fusion dishes (¥80–120 ≈ US $11–17 per person).

Afternoon (1:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
Join a guided tour (English tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays). Explore the digital media zone or attend an afternoon lecture.

Evening (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
Relax on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Tonghui River, where sunset reflections illuminate the glass canopy. For dinner, nearby Tongzhou Canal Plaza offers authentic Beijing roast duck and craft beer (¥180 ≈ US $25 per person).

5. Three-Day Cultural Discovery Plan

Day 1 – The Library Experience

Follow the one-day itinerary in full. End your day with a music recital in the cultural hall if available.

Day 2 – The Surrounding Cultural Belt

Morning: Visit the Beijing Grand Canal Museum (15 min walk) — a fascinating introduction to China’s ancient waterway civilization. Entry ¥60 ≈ US $8.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Beijing Sub-Center Green Axis Park, a vast urban greenway perfect for cycling or quiet walks.
Evening: Attend a performance at the Beijing Performing Arts Center, a futuristic opera house nearby. Tickets start from ¥180 ≈ US $25.

Day 3 – Classic Meets Contemporary

Morning: Take Metro Line 6 back to central Beijing to explore the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.
Afternoon: Return to Tongzhou for a final reflection at the library or a café visit.
Evening: Enjoy canal-side dining or attend an open-air reading event under the illuminated canopy.

Hotel Recommendations (Mid-Range to Luxury):

Guozhan Hotel Tongzhou (4★): 10 min drive, from ¥780 ≈ US $107 per night.
NUO Hotel Beijing (5★): 25 min away, one of Beijing’s top art hotels.
Book early on major platforms like Trip.com or Booking.com.

6. Practical Information & Travel Tips

Language

Most signs are bilingual. Staff at information desks speak basic English. For deeper assistance, translation apps (Google Translate or Baidu Translate) are useful.

Booking & Tickets

All event and exhibition reservations can be made through the library’s official website or WeChat Mini-Program. Passport numbers are accepted for foreign visitors.

Money & Connectivity

Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) are accepted only at major cafés; bring cash or enable Alipay/WeChat Pay for foreigners. Free Wi-Fi throughout the library.

Etiquette

Keep silent in reading areas. Food and drinks are restricted to cafés and lounges. Photography is welcome but avoid flash in quiet zones.

Accessibility

The entire complex is wheelchair-friendly with barrier-free routes, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

Best Seasons

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather around 18–25 °C. Avoid the National Day holiday (first week of October) for crowds.

Safety

Beijing is one of Asia’s safest capitals. Still, keep valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended. The library’s security system includes lockers and CCTV.

Conclusion: Beijing’s Living Future of Knowledge

The Beijing City Library is not merely a building — it is a living ecosystem of learning, sustainability, and human connection. Whether you come to read, photograph, or simply breathe in the atmosphere of calm innovation, the library offers a rare glimpse into the cultural direction of 21st-century China: confident, inclusive, and beautifully designed.

For travelers from afar, it stands as a gentle reminder that libraries, like cities, are best experienced slowly — page by page, moment by moment.

References & Further Reading

TIME Magazine. “The Beijing Library – World’s Greatest Places 2025.” https://time.com/collections/worlds-greatest-places-2025/7263126/the-beijing-library/
Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn
Snøhetta Official Project Page.https://snohetta.com
ECADI – East China Architectural Design & Research Institute.https://www.ecadi.com
IFLA Library Buildings & Equipment Section.https://www.ifla.org

How to Visit the World's Greatest Places 2025: Beijing City Library

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