A visitor stands in the "space capsule" passage at the Zhongshuge Yongkang bookstore. [Photo/Jinhua Media Group]
Celebrated as one of the most beautiful bookstores in China, Zhongshuge has opened a new branch at Dasixiang cultural district in Yongkang county-level city of Jinhua, Zhejiang province.
Having begun trial operations on Dec 31, the bookstore is scheduled to officially open in mid-January.
Visitors to the Yongkang bookstore are immediately captivated by floating planetary displays set against a backdrop of orange and purple lights. Mirrored ceilings create an expansive cosmic illusion, while a futuristic "space capsule" passage and spaceship-themed bookshelves complete the interstellar journey.
Launched in Shanghai in 2013, the Zhongshuge brand, under Shanghai Zhongshu Industry Co, is renowned for its enchanting interior designs. The Yongkang location is the brand's 54th store and is the first in the Yangtze River Delta's county-level cities and in Central Zhejiang.
Jia Anming, general manager of the national development department at Zhongshu Industry, said that the exploration, innovation, and precision embodied by the "space" theme resonate with the dedication, creativity, and craftsmanship of Yongkang's hardware industry.
A butterfly astronaut symbolizes Yongkang's traditional "18 butterflies" dance. [Photo/Jinhua Media Group]
Incorporating local culture, the children's area features elements of Yongkang's traditional "18 butterflies" dance — a national intangible cultural heritage — reimagined as a butterfly astronaut emerging from the wall.
Covering nearly 1,300 square meters, the bookstore houses over 28,000 books and features a cafe, a cultural merchandise zone, and a versatile event area. "We're expanding our collection and exploring more local cultural products," Jia added.
