“Here in Librairie Avant-Garde, reading is our religion and this place is the heaven for readers.”

~ Zhang Xing (manager)

Librairie Avant-Garde - Nanjing

Librairie Avant-Garde is definitely one of the world’s most unique bookstores, and quite possibly China’s most beautiful. It is hidden in a 3780 square meter underground car park (which was also a former bomb shelter) underneath Wutaichan Stadium in Nanjing.

As you enter the store there are different postcards and some unique artwork for sale, however you will not be amazed by the extraordinary bookstore until you climb the steep incline. There are foreign books, sections on any topic imaginable, as well as a section containing practically all the classic novels of Western Literature – from Pride and Prejudice, to all of the Charles Dickens novels. They have these available in both English and Chinese; the perfect opportunity for anybody living in China and wishing to practice their Chinese by reading a familiar book.

The bookstore has many open plan reading tables (perfect for students), an in-store cafe, couches where you can sit and devour book after book, and even a creative workshop. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and plenty of unique ways to spend a day in Nanjing. However, it really is that big that you won’t be able to appreciate this fantastic bookstore in just one visit!

Address: 173 Guangzhou Rd, Gulou, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210024

Hours:  Monday to Friday 10:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 10:00pm

Telephone: +86 25 8371 1455