Shanghai Library East
A futuristic architectural marvel inspired by scholars' rocks, Shanghai Library East blends art, culture, and tech for an unparalleled library experie...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Shanghai Library East
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A futuristic architectural marvel inspired by scholars' rocks, Shanghai Library East blends art, culture, and tech for an unparalleled library experience.
"What an amazing library, with seven floors in total, each with a different theme."
🎟️ Get Your Visitor Pass
Tourists need a paper pass for entry. Ask at the main entrance to explore this architectural gem.
📚 Explore Themed Floors
Each of the seven floors has a unique theme. Discover diverse collections and exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Marvel
Entire building
A futuristic design inspired by scholars' rocks, with cantilevered floors and floating glass facades.
Rare Books Exhibition
Top floor
Explore an exhibition of ancient Chinese books, showcasing historical treasures and traditional storage methods.
Rooftop Garden
Rooftop
Enjoy a serene rooftop garden with beehives, offering a peaceful escape and unique library-branded honey.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Shanghai Library East
Navigating Shanghai Library East
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Your Visitor Pass
Tourists need a paper pass for entry. Ask at the main entrance to explore this architectural gem.
📚 Explore Themed Floors
Each of the seven floors has a unique theme. Discover diverse collections and exhibits.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's design is stunning. Don't forget your camera to capture its unique features.
🍯 Taste Library Honey
The rooftop garden produces unique library-branded honey. A sweet souvenir from your visit!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Your Visitor Pass
Tourists need a paper pass for entry. Ask at the main entrance to explore this architectural gem.
📚 Explore Themed Floors
Each of the seven floors has a unique theme. Discover diverse collections and exhibits.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's design is stunning. Don't forget your camera to capture its unique features.
🍯 Taste Library Honey
The rooftop garden produces unique library-branded honey. A sweet souvenir from your visit!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Shanghai Library East's stunning modern architecture and its serene atmosphere, calling it a 'gorgeous experience' and a 'magnificent library.' The unique design, inspired by scholars' rocks, and the innovative features like robotic book retrieval and a rooftop garden are highly praised. It's considered a must-visit for architecture buffs and book lovers alike.
"I've had the opportunity to visit Shanghai Library East, which is a stunning modern library designed by SHL (Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects), inspired by traditional Chinese scholars’ rocks. Its floating glass-clad form sits beside Century Park, offering open, light-filled spaces and beautiful courtyards. The design blends art, culture, and community, making it a true modern landmark for Shanghai architecture."
Danielo D2
"This futuristic building’s cantilevered floors appear to defy gravity, thanks to tension rods hidden within "book-shaped" decorative panels. The climate-controlled rare books room maintains 18°C with 45% humidity using a system adapted from traditional rice paper storage methods. Most intriguing are the robotic book retrievers—their algorithm prioritizes requests based on historical borrowing patterns dating back to 1952. The rooftop garden’s beehives help pollinate surrounding flora while producing library-branded honey."
Arman Khachatryan
"What an amazing library, with seven floors in total, each with a different theme.
There is also an exhibition of ancient Chinese books on the top floor.
sigh! When can AU build a library like this instead of wasting taxpayers' money on lazy people?
Chinese students are really lucky to have such a library."
Michael Freeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shanghai Library East is located in the Pudong New Area. You can reach it via metro lines, with several stations nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, it is well-connected by Shanghai's extensive public transport network, including metro lines. Check local transit apps for the most convenient routes from your location.
Shanghai Library East is situated at 300 Hehuan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It's a prominent landmark in the area.
Driving is an option, but parking availability and traffic can be challenging in Shanghai. Public transport is often recommended for ease of access.
The library is located near Century Park, offering a green oasis. It's also in proximity to the Shanghai American School Pudong campus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a tourist without a library card, you'll need to request a temporary paper pass at the entrance to gain access to the library.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Shanghai Library website or local listings before your visit to confirm current times.
Entry to the library itself is generally free, but you will need to obtain a temporary visitor pass if you don't have a library card.
Typically, borrowing privileges are for registered library members. However, you can explore the vast collections and enjoy the reading spaces.
You can obtain a visitor pass by asking at the main entrance. This allows tourists to experience the library's facilities.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The library boasts a stunning, futuristic design by SHL, inspired by traditional Chinese scholars' rocks. It features cantilevered floors and a glass-clad exterior, creating light-filled spaces.
Yes, the library often hosts exhibitions, including a notable display of ancient Chinese books on the top floor.
Its unique features include robotic book retrieval systems, a climate-controlled rare books room, and a rooftop garden with beehives producing library honey.
Absolutely! The modern architecture and unique design elements make it a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts.
The library has seven floors, each with a different theme, offering a diverse range of collections and reading environments.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its cantilevered floors and glass facade is iconic. Inside, the grand reading halls and the rare books exhibition area offer great photo opportunities.
While general photography for personal use is usually permitted, it's always wise to check for any specific signage or ask staff about restrictions in certain areas, especially near exhibits.
It's ideal for architectural photography, interior shots, and capturing the modern, serene atmosphere of a contemporary library.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid disruption. It's best to inquire with library staff upon arrival if you plan to use one.
Morning light can be beautiful through the glass facade, creating a bright and airy feel. Late afternoon can offer warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For parents, the library's advanced systems and unique features, like the robotic book retrievers and the rare books room, can be educational talking points. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of books and architecture in a stimulating environment.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Explore the interplay of light and space throughout the library. The courtyards and the overall flow of the building offer numerous opportunities to appreciate its innovative design. Don't miss the chance to photograph its unique structural elements and the serene rooftop garden.
📚 Bookworms & Researchers
For those interested in historical texts, the exhibition of ancient Chinese books on the top floor is a significant draw. The library's advanced retrieval systems can also be a fascinating aspect for researchers looking to access specific materials efficiently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Brilliance: A Design Masterpiece
The library's structure is further enhanced by tension rods cleverly hidden within decorative panels, contributing to its futuristic aesthetic. Inside, the climate-controlled rare books room utilizes advanced systems adapted from traditional rice paper storage methods, ensuring the preservation of invaluable historical documents. This blend of cutting-edge technology and respect for heritage makes Shanghai Library East a truly remarkable space.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the library is a hub for culture and learning. Its design facilitates community engagement and provides a serene environment for study and exploration. The architectural vision behind Shanghai Library East has cemented its status as a significant modern landmark in Shanghai's urban landscape.
Technological Integration and Preservation
Preservation of rare and historical materials is paramount. The library houses a climate-controlled rare books room that meticulously maintains specific temperature and humidity levels (18°C with 45% humidity) using methods adapted from traditional rice paper storage. This dedication to conservation ensures that these cultural treasures are protected for future generations.
The library's capacity is immense, with the ability to handle up to 20,000 book returns daily and serve an estimated 4 million patrons annually, supported by Bibliotheca's self-service solutions and automated systems. This technological prowess underscores Shanghai Library East's role as a leading institution in the digital age of libraries.
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