FAMOUSLY known as the “City of a Thousand Parks,” Shenzhen has long offered its residents the simple pleasures of strolling,picnicking, and connecting with nature. But as of December 2025, the city has woven a new thread into this green tapestry: 100 thought fully designed park bookstores, nestled within its parks, botanical gardens, greenways, waterways, and scenic areas.

These are not uniform kiosks, but a deliberately diverse network of spaces where literature and landscape converge, offering residents a new way to experience the city’s green spaces. 

Here are some highlights from Shenzhen’s literary landscapes. 

Lakeside Reading Lounge 

Located gracefully on the bank of Lotus Lake in Lychee Park, this tranquil waterside garden study offers breathtaking views through its bright, transparent spaces. Nearly every seat frames a view of the lake, providing the perfect setting for readers to rest their eyes on nature between pages.

Metro: Line 3 or 9 to Hongling Station (红岭站), Exit F

An & Song Art Book Bar

Nestled within a eucalyptus grove in Bijia Hill Park, this glass-enclosed sanctuary features wooden bookshelves reaching toward the ceiling like living trees. Large glass panels dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, allowing readers to become part of the natural landscape. The first floor houses the bookshop and light café, while the second floor offers a tranquil tea room.

Metro: Line 7 or 14 to Huangmugang Station (黄木岗站), Exit 14

Yunhai Bookstore

Perched at 380 meters above sea level atop Meisha Peak, Shenzhen’s highest bookstore offers an otherworldly reading experience. Located on the third floor of the iconic “White Giant Ship” landmark in Yuntian Park, this futuristic space with its extensive metal finishes feels like a spacecraft. Here, readers can gaze upon mountains, sea, and cityscape while immersed in their books.

Metro: Line 2/8 to Hong’anwei Station (鸿安围站), Exit C; then take a taxi

Forest Study

Hidden within Hongqiao Park’s stunning aerial walkway — a red ribbon draped across the mountains — lies the Forest Study. Ascend the red spiral staircase to the second floor to discover a circular reading space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a carefully curated collection focused on nature, forestry, and environmental technology.

Metro: Line 6 to Guangming Street Station (光明大街站), Exit D; then take a taxi

Lighthouse Library

Standing like a sentinel on the Yantian Coastal Boardwalk, this stunning white lighthouse structure brings readers within steps of the azure sea. The second-floor seaside reading area features floating bay windows that extend toward the ocean, making the water feel almost within reach. Outdoor seating directly facing the sea is especially coveted on sunny days.

Metro: Line 2/8 to Haishan Station (海山站), Exit A1

Hongyi Pavilion

The fifth addition to the Nanshan Library series, Hongyi Pavilion nestles within Lixiang Park, surrounded by lush greenery. This 10,000-volume library features immersive reading areas,children’s spaces, and the Lixiang Lecture Hall. Ingenious mirrored ceilings create an illusion of infinite space, making the bookstore feel even more expansive.

Metro: Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station (南头古城站), Exit A

Egret Slope Book Bar

Perhaps the most famous among Shenzhen Bay Park’s several bookstores, Egret Slope offers a semiopen design shaded by palm trees. Facing the bay, many visitors choose the outdoor seating, especially during sunset when the reading atmosphere becomes truly magical.

Metro: Line 9 to Hongshuwan South Station (红树湾南站), Exit A; then take a bike ride 

Ring Tree House

This unique structure along the Dasha River Ecological Corridor resembles a conch shell spiraling around a small central tree. The design grants readers a 360-degree panoramic view of the verdant surroundings. The second-floor open balcony offers an ideal spot for reading accompanied by spring breezes and birdsong.

Metro: Line 7 to Zhuguang Station (珠光站), Exit D

Rose Bookstore

Located in People’s Park — famous for its roses — this waterborne library floats on the park’s lake, offering 2,000 volumes for free borrowing. The interior features warm wood tones and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking metasequoia trees and shimmering lake reflections.

Metro: Line 3 to Shaibu Station (晒布站), Exit D