Wang Yan is a student at Northeastern University(东北大学) in Shenyang. She likes to spend her weekends exploring the narrow streets of the city. She is especially looking for unknown bookstores. In these bookstores, she can relax and read. "Each store is special," she said. "We can enjoy the beauty of the city and read a good book."
Since the beginning of this year, "City Read" has become a popular topic. Many young people share their favourite bookstores and talk about their experiences of finding"reading freedom" near home.
In Shenyang, there are many private bookstores hidden away in the small streets. Some are quite famous. The 101-year-old Gede Bookstore has a grand style. Whoop Book & Cafe, a former boiler room(锅炉房), suggests new books every week. And at the When Paper Talk Bookstore, new books are never sealed (塑封).
"These bookstores are very close to my place. They feel like home. I love sitting there. It's just wonderful," said Zhang Qi from Shenyang.
In Beijing, 24-hour libraries are very popular. Their convenient locations and all-day service attract many young people.
"City Read" has become popular because public(公共的) facilities are much better than before. In Shenyang, for example, old buildings have been turned into cultural spaces. Across China, "10-and 15-minute reading circles" are being set up to improve public reading facilities.