Shanghai Library is the second biggest public library in China. It's not really a tourist site as the building is newly constructed, and most of the books (and readers) are Chinese. You must have a library card to use any of the reading rooms, and there is an English booklet explaining the four types of cards available. The cheapest, “read only” card is 5 yuan per year and you need to bring your passport or Shanghai residence permit to apply.
The library stocks Chinese books and periodicals and also a number of foreign books, plus Hong Kong and Taiwanese newspapers, a UN Depository, and ancient Chinese books. One thing you can't escape in Shanghai recently is the World Expo which is due to open in 2010, and there is an info centre in the library where you can find out more. The side door on Gao'an Road leads to the rather neglected audio-visual section of the library. There you can find some sporadically staffed audio and video sections where you can listen to and watch a selection of Chinese and foreign media.
There's a distinct lack of places to eat or drink after a hard day studying in the library. A deserted canteen in what the Chinese call the ground floor (known as the basement in the West) serves cheap Chinese food. Otherwise there is a small café on the first floor foyer.
Address: No.1555, Huaihai Rd. M. near Gao'an Road
Telephone: 6445-5555
Open Hours: 8:30am-8:30pm
Traffic: Metro line 1 (Hengshan Road Station) |
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