Designed by the same architect as the so-called world's loneliest library in Beidaihe, this Page One branch is as much an architectural attraction as a bookstore.
The white building is reminiscent of a traditional Beijing courtyard, while the "black tower" changes "theme" every month. This month's theme is children's books.
Page One previously specialized in art design books and English titles. Now it has expanded into all categories.
Literature, history, science, art, lifestyle, bestsellers, children... there's something for everyone.
Christian Parreno from Ecuador came across the bookshop by chance. "The interior architecture of the place is beautiful. I'm looking for some Chinese literature translated into English," he said.
Visitor Liu Sha says, "I liked to hang out in Qianmen when I was a kid. It's such a good thing that there is a bookstore here."
Student Song Yuxin also said, "Although online bookstores are so vibrant, I still like the atmosphere of a bookstore, and the feel of leafing through the pages."
It seems no modern bookstore can do without its own cafe. The hope is people drawn in by the aroma will end up buying a book.
Page One's cafe is on the third floor. Here, the best company for a cup of coffee would be a paper book. The store's windows act as frames for the scenery outside, which is full of traditional residential houses. You take in different views of the city while you roam through the store.
Meanwhile, a plant zone brings some nature inside the building. In the future, the plants will also be for sale, providing another source of income for the bookshop.
Many modern bookstores now let people read without having to buy. People can sit as long as they want, even all night.
