Just like a large number of other countries, online sales continue to soar in China, and the effect is also felt by publishing houses. A large number of these companies manage a network of bookstores, and it’s interesting to see how they’ve responded to the aforementioned trend which has yet to see a slow down. For quite some time now, large experiential bookstores have become all the rage to lure customers in and keep them there for as long as possible. Indeed, the bookstore has become an all-day destination – mind you, a handful of 24-hour bookshops already operate in Beijing – and it just got even better. Just a few days ago another stellar example of new generation bookstores has opened its doors in Shanghai, perched on the 52nd floor of the glittering Shanghai Tower.

The Shanghai Century Publishing Co. is one of the country’s major players in the field of publishing and also owns the Duoyun Books, and to raise the chain’s profile, it has opened an experiential flagship store. As said, it’s high up, and that obviously adds up to the shopping experience. Designed by local architecture practice Wutopia Lab, the retail space occupies 2,259 sqm. (24,316 sq.ft.) spread across a single floor, and also includes an atrium space on one side with a spectacularly soaring height, and obviously, sweeping views of this sprawling city. Upon entering Duoyun Books, shoppers enter a maze of interconnected circular spaces comprising of pristine white shelves laden with books, and when advancing they’ll come across a entirely black ‘secret space’ embedded within. It’s designed as a study room and has adjoining spaces also brimming with books, including a branded section for a London Review shop-in-shop.

A coffee parlour and a dessert bar, respectively dipped in Tiffany Blue and a soft pink hue, both form an integral part of the store, allowing shoppers to sit back and indulge in a drink and bite. Additional sections include and exhibition hall and an adjacent gallery. The atrium space is situated on the perimeter of the store and features a garden with large potted plants, two stainless steel leaf-shaped high tables with seats, and an elegantly curved platform. The space is shielded by the building’s soaring glass façade which allows spectacular views of the city, but when looking up, a myriad of beams, cables and light fixtures offer equally interesting impressions. The garden is connected to a similar voluminous space where another café is situated. The Duoyun Books flagship store stocks a staggering 60,000 books and no less than 2,000 other products.