As spring breathes new life into Qingdao, there is no better time to explore the many unique reading spaces in Shinan district. 

Nestled deep within Zhongshan Park, a charming wooden cabin lies hidden beneath towering trees. Its glass walls create a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow. Blending a bookstore with a café, this retreat is infused with the scents of books, coffee, and fresh foliage, offering a natural oasis for the mind.

On Hubei Road in Shinan, the Qingdao literature museum preserves the city's literary soul. Behind its weathered doorway lies a vibrant world of words. The lower level hosts literary events, while the upper floors showcase Qingdao's literary history alongside a cozy bookstore café. The intimate space seamlessly blends exhibitions and books with a strong sense of nostalgia.

The Qingdao literature museum offers a tranquil reading space. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Founded in 1933, the huangdao bookstore once thrived as a beacon of intellectual awakening, playing a role in the city's revolutionary literary movements. Located next to Chinese novelist and dramatist Lao She's former residence, this historic bookstore continues its legacy, prioritizing culturally significant works over commercial bestsellers. Vintage furniture and old artifacts fill the space, inviting visitors to step back in time.

Hidden within an old building, the fanhua library offers a haven for secondhand books. Beyond its unassuming entrance, the scent of ink and aged paper lingers. Inside, philosophy texts, martial arts novels, and vintage comics share space with water-grown plants, pet birds, and a freshly brewed pot of tea – a quiet refuge for the soul.