Bell Tower Library in Wuxi, one of the Zhongshu Bookstores. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

The Zhongshu Bookstores in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, recently won central authority's recognition for integrating different commercial activities, local media reported on Sept 19.

The appellation "Zhongshu Bookstores" is derived from Qian Zhongshu (1910-1998), a distinguished Chinese scholar and writer from Wuxi, known for his ardent fondness for English literature.

Zhongshu Bookstore. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

In recent years, districts and counties in Wuxi have been actively exploring ways to run Zhongshu Bookstores, which combine books with coffee, tea, flowers, cultural items, or tourism products. This initiative has led to a series of public reading spaces in the city characterized by extensive book collections, modern facilities, stylish designs, and various activities.

Zhongshu Bookstore. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

The two-story Zhongshu Bookstore in Shannantou village boasts a collection of over 3,000 books spanning various categories. In addition, the bookstore provides readers with a cozy ambiance by offering coffee, beverages, and other services, ensuring a comfortable and inviting reading experience.

Another Zhongshu Bookstore in Jiujiucheng Community is staffed with three employees. They usually organize over 10 monthly reading activities, attracting nearly 1,000 readers, and about 50 activities during summer and winter vacations.