Libraries

A books store and library specializing in magazines and zines, including publications spanning topics such as music, fashion and design, and arts. At the magazine library location at Donsishitiao, Unlike other cafés, you'll need to pay RMB 50 for an “all-day experience” fee or RMB 399 for full-year access.

Thousands of classic books in English, French and Chinese for the entire family to enjoy. Audio and lesson books teaching phonics, spelling, reading and grammar also available.

Stocks English books that young children can borrow. Library cards available at the centers.

This large and rather forbidding state institution offers dry exhibitions but is also the venue to catch great lectures (in Chinese) from some of China's leading intellectuals.

This national institution has a great range of English and other foreign language editions, including periodicals and academic titles. Foreigners can only access the books at the library and are not permitted to borrow, but the selection makes it well worth the trip. Their website has a searchable online database that is available in both Chinese and English. Reader's cards are available for RMB 5/month or RMB 20/year.

Chinese films are shown every Wed at 2pm for free. Tickets available at 12.30pm.

While its range of foreign language books is not as impressive as the National Library's, it does offer foreigners the option of borrowing books. It costs RMB 10 to process a reader's card and, depending on the type of card you choose, a deposit ranging from RMB 100-500. Foreign language newspapers and periodicals can also be accessed and regular lectures are organized on weekends.