Last month Shenzhen was named a global model for the promotion of reading by UNESCO, in recognition of the city’s efforts to improve residents’ literacy. It was the first time a Chinese city has received such an honorary title.

    The city has made November its annual Reading Month. The 14-year-old event has now seen a huge upgrade with its infrastructure of public cultural services. The city currently has four major book malls each covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters. Over 600 public libraries are readily accessible to citizens in different districts, and more than 200 self-service libraries placed within communties. More than 50 reading events are held every year to promote citizens’ reading interest. The city’s target is to cultivate itself as a cultural oasis along with its fast-paced economic development.

    (Anna Zhao, Sun Yuchen)