Looking for a slow day out in Beijing? Whether you’re chasing rare design books, poetry in quiet corners, or just a café table with a view — this list of best bookstores in Beijing offers a fresh mix of culture, calm, and charm. We’ve curated our top picks that combine literary finds with atmosphere, location, and a dose of creative inspiration. Want to explore them with ease? Let Our Beijing design your weekend route — we know all the hidden detours.
Located in the Beijing Fun cultural district near Qianmen, PAGEONE’s flagship store is more than a bookstore — it’s a city landmark. With three spacious floors, a soaring 6-meter-high book wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Central Axis, this store is designed for discovery. Whether you’re into photography, design, literature, or kids’ books, this is one of the best bookstores in Beijing to explore the intersection of culture and aesthetics.
✨ Want to combine this with a literary ride through Beijing’s alleyways? Join one of our Hutong Bike Tours and discover the hidden bookstores, street cafés, and architectural stories that make Beijing unforgettable.
This intimate spot in Beijing’s Gulou area mixes independent publishing, second-hand books, and pop-up art exhibitions. It’s one of the best bookstores in Beijing for creative travelers seeking unexpected reads and slow-living moments.
Here, the shelves are lined with zines, artist journals, and niche photography books — many curated by hand with handwritten notes from the owner. The cozy interior and often-changing displays make it a local secret worth exploring.
✨ Love places like this? You’re not alone. If bookstores tucked inside old alleyways and handwritten zines are your thing, you’ll love what else Gulou has to offer. Join one of our Hutong Bike Tours to explore these creative corners . Or dive into the culinary side with our Foodie Tours, where each bite comes with a story. Let us show you the Beijing that rarely makes it into guidebooks.
卓尔书店 (Zhuo’er Bookstore) is a minimalist bookshop-meets-gallery nestled in the heart of Songzhuang — Beijing’s contemporary art village. It’s one of the best bookstores in Beijing for readers who love design, thoughtful content, and a touch of community culture.
The space is bright and open, filled with natural light, clean wood shelves, and a curated selection of books on film, art theory, feminism, and global culture. You’ll also find rotating art exhibitions, author meetups, and weekend salons featuring independent filmmakers and writers. It’s a space to recharge and reset — mentally and visually.
✨ Want to connect with local art communities and hidden creative hubs? Our Beijing’s custom itineraries can guide you to places like Zhuo’er — far beyond the typical tourist track.
If you’re craving peace and timeless charm, this is it. Tucked away near the Temple of Heaven, 模范书局·诗空间 (Model Bookstore: Poetry Space) is one of the best bookstores in Beijing for lovers of classical Chinese literature. The store is housed in a traditional Chinese courtyard that instantly transports you — complete with stone pathways, calligraphy scrolls, and Tang poetry lining the walls.
The atmosphere is contemplative and deeply poetic. Expect curated poetry collections, philosophical titles, and seasonal exhibitions featuring ink painting and Chinese calligraphy. The bookstore also hosts occasional poetry salons and author readings — if you’re lucky, you might stumble into one!
✨ Want to dive deeper into Beijing’s cultural rhythm? Pair your visit with one of Our Beijing’s Cultural Workshops — from tea tasting to calligraphy, we help you engage with local tradition in immersive ways.
Bookstores in Beijing aren’t just about buying books — they’re about mood, magic, and local connection. At Our Beijing, we’re all about creating those moments. Want to pair reading with street snacks? Or ride from one literary stop to the next? We’ve got you.
A1: Yes! Several have English books or bilingual sections. PAGEONE and Jetlag Books are especially foreigner-friendly.
We recommend spreading them out — maybe 2–3 in a day max. Want a custom route? We can help.
Biking works great for most of these spots — especially in areas like Gulou and Dongcheng. Join one of our bike tours to explore even more.