When you think of reading, libraries and bookstores may come to mind—but where else? In recent years, Guangzhou has been creating more peaceful and inviting reading spaces. Today, whether in a park, an ancient ancestral hall, or even a scenic spot, you’re never far from a cozy place to read.

Take Pearl River Park, located in the heart of the business district. Follow the scent of flowers, the sound of flowing water, and the trail of a stray cat, and you’ll find a wooden bookhouse that blends reading with nature. The smell of wood mingles with that of books, offering busy city dwellers a quiet escape. It is also a public cultural space, hosting around 12 exhibitions and over 30 salons each year—on art, literature, international exchange, and more.

Across Guangzhou, such small yet beautiful reading spaces are scattered like stars. Together, they form a rich cultural network that encourages citizens to keep reading, explore knowledge across different fields, and, in turn, enhance the city’s intellectual life.