Experience how people in China spend time in libraries

Xu Jiahui Academy is a beautiful library that was renovated and reopened in 2023 in the Xujiahui District. It has two basement floors and three above ground, with an open central atrium that creates a spacious feeling, and a 3D-printed monument with a Chinese style is placed in the center. On the first floor of the library, there is an attached café, and from the terrace on the second floor, you can get a high-up view of the neighboring Xujiahui Catholic Church. From the third floor, you can look down through the central atrium to see the entire library. The library mostly contains Chinese books, so it can be quite difficult to read if you don’t understand Chinese, but it’s a good experience to feel how people in China engage with books. Be sure to enjoy the library space. Address: No. 158 Caoxi North Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai Access: Shanghai Metro Line 1 and Line 11 Xujiahui Station, Exit 3, right outside (Next to Xujiahui Catholic Church) Closed: Mondays Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) Admission: Free There are staff in suits at the entrance, but you can enter without a check (as of 2025) #China #Shanghai #Xujiahui #Library #XujiahuiCatholicChurch #XuJiahuiAcademy #Cafe #VisitChina