Anywhere with books for sale is mechanically alovely placeto be , but this new bookstore in southwest China just up the ante with its jaw - put down display of shelves .
The store , located in Dujiangyan City , Sichuan , was contrive by Li Xiang and her architectural firm X+Living . As Limentionedon Instagram , she draw intake from Dujiangyan ’s ancientirrigation scheme , which utilize the rivers run in and around the metropolis . you may in spades see its influence on her work ; the predominate arch and winding staircase evoke images of flowing pee , and the mirrored ceiling makes the way seem infinite . ArchDailypoints outthat the curved presentation tables on the black tiled floor even look like boats in deep , smooth water . Taking in the full scene elicits a similar sense of reverence that you might feel when observing a rude landscape .
Then , there are thebooksthemselves . While shelf extend up to the ceiling ( and ostensibly beyond , thanks to those mirrors ) , visitors do n’t have to vex about sure loudness being much too far to pass on . The gamy “ shelf ” are actually just wallpaper print to face like bookshelf . concord todesignboom , the store also domiciliate a children ’s reading sphere , complete with greenish bamboo bookshelf , pictures ofpandas , and brilliant - colored shock absorber .

It ’s not the first meter X+Living has created a space for book lovers . The Dujiangyan workshop is the latest in the business firm ’s Zhonghuge series of bookstores around China , including locations inBeijing , Ningbo , Guiyang , andChongqing . There are certain recur design elements — like mirrored ceilings , curved shelves , and archways — but each has its own distinct way .
While you ’re waiting for a chance to research one of Li Xiang ’s magical buildings , find out which bookstore is your state ’s best onehere .
[ h / tdesignboom ]