Future post
Will be published at 2026-11-01 11:45:00
When it comes to traveling in Shanghai, people usually think of the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, and Lujiazui first. But this time in Shanghai, I really enjoyed places like Xujiahui where you can stroll slowly, admire the architecture, and feel Shanghai's history and culture.
Especially the recently popular "Xujiahui Library", its exterior might make you think it's a design-focused art museum, but stepping inside is even more stunning!
The high arched spaces, large wooden materials, entire walls of bookshelves, plus the super long central reading table and the iconic "Gate of Guangqi" completely overturned my previous imagination of public libraries.
Moreover, Xujiahui Library is not just beautiful and photogenic; it is actually located in a very storied place in Shanghai—Xujiahui.
Many people traveling independently in Shanghai have passed through "Xujiahui Station" on the subway, but like me, they might have only known it as a bustling commercial area.
In fact, the name "Xujiahui" has deep ties to the famous Ming dynasty scientist and statesman Xu Guangqi.
According to official historical records of Shanghai's Xuhui District, in the late Ming dynasty, Xu Guangqi had a farm estate in the Zhaojia Bang area, where he conducted agricultural experiments and wrote books. Later, his descendants multiplied and settled here.
At that time, this area was located at the confluence of water systems such as Puhui Tang, Zhaojia Bang, and Li Cong Jing, gradually giving rise to the name "Xujiahui," and today's "Xuhui District" name is also related to Xu Guangqi.
Another important historical role of Xu Guangqi was collaborating with the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci to promote East-West scientific and cultural exchange.
As a result, Xujiahui later developed facilities in education, religion, meteorology, publishing, and culture, forming a very special history of East-West cultural intersection.
So now when you come to Xujiahui, besides large department stores and bustling shopping districts, there are also hidden gems nearby like Xujiahui Catholic Church, Xujiahui Library (Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei), Shanghai Meteorological Museum, Xu Guangqi Memorial Hall, and Tushanwan Museum, many Shanghai attractions full of stories.
Xujiahui is also regarded as one of Shanghai's important birthplaces of Haipai culture and a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures.
Xujiahui Library (Zikawei Library) is actually the newly renovated Xuhui District Library.
Xujiahui Library officially opened on January 1, 2023, located in the core area of the Xujiahuiyuan Scenic Area, at No. 158 Caoxi North Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai.
The total area of Xujiahui Library is about 18,650 square meters, with two underground floors and three above-ground floors, nearly 800 reading seats, a collection of over 200,000 volumes, plus newspapers, periodicals, and digital reading resources.
In addition to traditional book reading, it also combines exhibitions, lectures, art appreciation, cultural and creative markets, and tourism guides. It can be said that it is no longer just a library, but a large-scale composite cultural space.
No wonder it became popular right after opening!
Even by the end of 2025, official statistics from Xuhui showed that Xujiahui Library has attracted over 7 million visitors in more than two years since opening, making it a new cultural landmark in Shanghai.
I think the most impressive thing about Xujiahui Library is that it successfully achieves:
Even if you have no intention of borrowing books today, you will still want to walk in and take a look.
The Xujiahui Library building was designed by the British architect David Chipperfield Architects, who has won the Pritzker Architecture Prize and is also the designer of the West Bund Museum in Shanghai, with the interior space handled by architect Yu Ting and his team.
From the outside, the building is arranged with many slender beige columns, very simple.
But once inside, it's a completely different world.
If it's your first time at Xujiahui Library, the most shocking view is definitely the central hall.
Both sides extend upward layer by layer, with huge arch structures one after another overhead, and the view finally focuses on the central reading space.
The long wooden reading tables extend forward, with readers really sitting on both sides reading books, using computers, or working.
This is also what I find very interesting about Xujiahui Library.
Although it has become a popular check-in spot in Shanghai, it has not lost the original function of a "library."
Tourists take photos on the side, while Shanghai citizens sit inside reading and working, each doing their own thing in the same space, creating a very natural sense of life.
Another very eye-catching landmark in the central hall is the white, large archway in the photo that looks like it is interwoven with countless lines.
It is called:
"Guangqi" naturally reminds people of Xu Guangqi, who has deep ties with Xujiahui.
This installation uses 3D printing technology, redesigned based on the concept of the former Tushanwan Chinese Archway, deconstructing the traditional archway into the current grid-like shape full of technological sense.
Traditional historical elements combined with modern technology perfectly echo Xujiahui's long-standing characteristic of East-West cultural and old-new civilization intersection.
Standing underneath it in person, it looks even more massive than in photos.
Especially the white hollow structure has a crystal-clear feeling under the lighting, with an entire wall of bookshelves behind it, the whole scene is really beautiful!
Besides taking photos from the first floor central area looking forward, I highly recommend taking the elevator or stairs upstairs.
Looking down from above, you will see a completely different Xujiahui Library.
At this time, the central long table, the floors on both sides, the arch structures, and the distant Gate of Guangqi are all in view at once.
The entire library looks like a huge temple of knowledge stacked layer by layer upward.
Moreover, the building itself is quite symmetrical left and right, so you don't need any special photography skills. Just stand in the center and level it, and it's easy to take very imposing photos.
If you only look at online photos, you might think Xujiahui Library is just a "very beautiful internet-famous library."
After actually walking around, I discovered that it has really made the reading space very complete.
The library has general reading areas, local literature, digital resources, and various themed reading spaces planned.
The library has also set up multiple "Light Box Spaces," through different themes such as architecture, figures, literature, art, music, and film, allowing everyone not only to read but also to learn about the development history of Xuhui and Shanghai step by step.
This is also what I think makes Xujiahui Library different from ordinary beautiful libraries.
It doesn't just hang "culture" on the wall to tell you, but directly puts culture into the entire building.
If you're bringing kids to Shanghai, you can also include Xujiahui Library in your itinerary.
The first floor has a dedicated children's reading space, with reading areas planned for different age groups. Official data shows the children's area is divided into sections for toddlers, young children, elementary school, and middle school.
Completely different from the calm wooden style of the central hall, the children's space uses a lot of white with red and colorful elements.
We saw one area designed with a large circular seating space, adding yellow, blue, green, and orange transparent geometric shapes, looking like a large art installation. Adults standing outside can't help but want to take photos.
Another great thing about Xujiahui Library is that it doesn't feel as distant as traditional libraries.
The venue combines coffee, cultural and creative, and exhibition spaces.
Currently on the first floor, you can also see Peet's Coffee Xujiahui Library Store. When you're tired from walking, you can sit down and have a cup of coffee. Current store information shows the outlet is located on the first floor of Xujiahui Library at No. 158 Caoxi North Road.
This design actually fits the current concept of a "city public living room."
Some people come specifically to study, some to work, some to read with kids, and some just to look at the architecture and have a cup of coffee during their trip.
Everyone can approach reading and culture in their own preferred way.
I highly recommend not just coming to Xujiahui Library and leaving.
Because it is located in the core area of the Xujiahuiyuan Scenic Area, there are actually many Shanghai historical buildings nearby that you can visit together.
For example:
Shanghai officials have even planned the "Xujiahuiyuan City Walk," connecting Xujiahui Library, Shanghai Meteorological Museum, Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei, and Pathé Villa into a century-old architectural walking route.
So if you like old buildings, history, or photography, I think you can set aside half a day to stroll slowly.
The first half is for cultural spots, and finally head to Xujiahui Commercial District for dining and shopping. The itinerary is easy to arrange.
Moreover, it's free to visit and super convenient by transportation. Even if you don't like reading, just coming in to admire the architecture and take photos is very worthwhile!
Xujiahui Library Zikawei Library
Address: No. 158 Caoxi North Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
Transportation: Shanghai Metro Lines 1, 9, 11 "Xujiahui Station"
Direct subway access: Xujiahui Station Exit 3 passage directly connects to Xujiahui Library B1, no need to go to ground level first.
Admission: Free
Reservation: Current Shanghai cultural and tourism public information indicates no reservation required.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–21:00, last entry at 20:30.
Monday: Closed
First floor children's area, third floor: According to current official announcement 09:00–17:00.
Public holidays: May be adjusted additionally, it is recommended to confirm the latest official announcement before departure.