Dujiangyan Bookstore Mirrors Create an Infinite World You Must Experience

Dujiangyan Bookstore

Dujiangyan Bookstore sits about an hour outside Chengdu, inside a shopping mall most people skip on their way to the irrigation system. But the bookstore itself pulls in a different crowd—photographers, design fans, anyone curious about mirrored ceilings that stretch bookshelves into infinity. X+Living designed the space to echo the flow of ancient water channels nearby. The result feels part library, part optical illusion. Black tile floors reflect everything above, spiral staircases seem to vanish into the ceiling, and the whole place stays remarkably quiet despite the crowds. If you're making the trip out anyway, Dujiangyan Panda Valley sits just 20 minutes away where you can watch giant pandas roaming through mountain forest habitats. Entry costs nothing, which makes it one of the better-value stops around Chengdu if you're already heading to Dujiangyan anyway.

Quick Facts about Dujiangyan Bookstore

Infinity Mirrors and Wave Architecture Define Dujiangyan Bookstore

The Mirror Ceiling That Doubles Your World

Look up when you walk in. The wall is not a solid ceiling--it is a huge mirror. Each bookshelf down there is replicated up there. Then that duplicate looks down into the black floor. Your image is divided into dozens of copies each with the same book which stretch to what is like infinity. According to a designer Li Xiang, Zhongshuge has the mirror ceiling is his trademark according to Smithsonian Magazine. He wasn't exaggerating.

Human beings are ten minutes merely idling and looking upwards in an attempt to demarcate where that actual shelf is and where the illusion starts. It is likely the most photographed area of Dujiangyan bookstore, and that is why the staircase area is full during weekends. The effect is most effective when you stand in one position. Go too quick and the reflection overlaps each other.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System Meets Modern Design

The bookshelves are like running water through the old channels. That's intentional. Li Bing constructed the Dujiangyan irrigation system more than 2,200 years ago dividing river water into regulated streams. That rhythm is reflected in the copies of the bookstore. The shelves are not straight, but twist and curve and snake you through the area in a manner that the channels of water run through the fields.

This is enhanced by the black tile floor. It is lacquered to the mirror finish, and when the light falls on it, the floor appears to be a flat pond. The color scheme in Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore even makes an allusion to water engineering. Dark surfaces are contrasted with warm lighting and resemble the way sunlight falls on river stone. The architect did not simply steal an idea. They transformed 2000 years old hydraulic logic to contemporary retail design. It is likely that whether that appeals to you or not will depend on how much you value symbolic architecture than what you desire in order to get good photos.

Inside Dujiangyan Bookstore - A Floor-by-Floor Journey

Ground Floor at Dujiangyan Bookstore - Mirror Arch Entrance

Bang through the glass door and the black tiles strike you on the first blow. They are shined and shine like smooth water on the ceiling lights. The entrance hall is framed by dramatic arches which are reflected in the mirror above. The lighting remains gentle - warm yellow, nothing bright. No background music either, which is weird in a retailing setting. Nothing but the footsteps and occasional turn of the page.

Bestsellers are stacked in the front in nice piles. A little further on you will come to a entire section on Sichuan culture-local history, tea ceremonies, panda conservation books. The majority of people park under the arch central to the arch. It is your first chance at a photo. Stand directly under, stare upwards and the mirror forms a perfectly symmetric shot. The entry into Dujiangyan bookstore is like getting into the world that is more of a place to think and less of a place to do business. With no noise one can easily tell that this is not just another mall bookstore.

Second Floor - Spiral Staircases and Reading Nooks

The middle is dominated by the black spiral staircase. The floor and ceiling mirrors collaborate to make it appear to swirl simultaneously into the sky and abyss. I saw a old man standing motionless on the third step, looking up six full three minutes. His wife needed to knock twice on his shoulder to make him move. People are actually surprised by the visual impact. The reading nooks are opened once you get to the upper level at Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore. There are approximately twenty seats in total, which are scattered over shelves.

Best natural light is on window spots, which are said to be in high demand. The choice of books is divided approximately in the following way: seventy percent of Chinese literature in novels, poetry and history. Bright covers on twenty percent children books. There is ten percent English titles with the majority of them being classic books- Hemingway, Orwell- a few coffee table books on architecture and design. Weekend mornings are brutal. By eleven AM, all seats have been occupied and individuals begin hovering, hoping that someone will vacate a seat. Go on a Tuesday and you really want to sit and read rather than take photos.

Children's Panda Reading Corner at Dujiangyan Bookstore

Second floor, left corner. It is impossible to overlook it, huge cushions in the form of panda monsters occupy half the room. Book shelves are low enough to allow children to get what they desire without assistance. The majority of the titles are Chinese picture books, but I could find some bilingual English-Chinese ones mixed in, which is valued by parents. Children have time to waver on the panda cushions or turn the pages of books, whilst their parents shop in the main areas close by. The panda decor also serve as a cute photo backdrop in general and particularly when you are traveling with a family. It is among those realistic details which make the seemingly brief visit to the bookstore something the entire group can appreciate without any of them getting bored.

In-Store Café - Coffee With a View of Mirrors

The cafe is located on the second floor and is found close to the staircase. Minimal seating, small counter. Coffee costs 25-40 depending on the order. Snacks and tea also served. Prices are approximately twenty percent more than those in cafes elsewhere out of the mall, yet that is what you are buying the atmosphere. You are sitting at the latte with a multiplication of mirrors increasing the bookshelves surrounding you- it is worth the price. There is one rule to observe: you should never carry drinks to the reading place, only when using covered cups of the cafe. In Dujiangyan bookstore, employees appear to be quite cool with it provided that you are not strolling around with a loose mug over precious books.

Dujiangyan Bookstore Photography Guide

Top 5 Instagram Spots at Dujiangyan Bookstore

Spot one: half-way to the spiral staircase. Get to the landing and aim your camera right up the stairs. The mirrors give the effect of the infinite tunnel-- stair going on and on and on into black space. More effective when there is someone on top or bottom. Otherwise the shot may appear flat. Spot two: central arch of the ground floor. Make your frame out of the arch itself. Everything is reflected twice in the mirror ceiling and you have both the tops and bottoms. Spot three: Reading nooks that are by the windows on the second floor. Find somebody reading in profile through the backlight.

Best contrast is late afternoon in the afternoon which is around four PM. Spot four: panda corner. Move up to one of those great cushions, and have some books lying on it. The vivid colors stand out of the black floor. Spot five: selfie using ceiling mirror. A wide-angle or ultra-wide phone mode will be required. Rest on your back or lay the camera low to take the floor reflection and ceiling reflection intertwining at the point of both. This tourists do all the time, and it is not to be embarrassed.

Camera Settings and Photography Rules

The interior of the lighting on the Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore remains low, and thus adjust your ISO to between 800 and 1600. When holding the camera in your hands keep the shutter speed above one-sixtieth of a second--any slower and you are going to get out-of-focus. The aperture of about f/2.8 to f/4.0 will suffice to focus on the depth without much loss of light. No flash allowed. The employees will immediately stop you since this spoilt book spines and agitates other customers. Tripods are okay up to half-past six then they request you to pack them. Business shoots require prior consent of the mall management. No problem with personal photography provided that you are respectful.

More Than Shelves - Dujiangyan Bookstore vs Other Zhongshuge Locations

Shanghai Zhongshuge - The Original Fantasy Library

The branch in Shanghai was launched first, in 2013. It was completely fantasy--glass tunnel walkways and books piled up on either side of the glass right down to the ceiling. Its design theme was metropolitan forest, which entailed as many shelves in a vertical space as can be. It is as though one is walking in those tunnels as if they were in a book. Only, it is everybody who knows about it. The last time I visited social media feeds, I could hardly take a clean photo as the crowd was massive on weekends. The Shanghai version of the Dujiangyan bookstore attracts triple the number of foot traffic as compared to the original one, perhaps more so during the holidays. You will half spend your visit waiting to have strangers leave the frame.

Shenzhen Zhongshuge - Coastal Wave Theme

The bookstore in Shenzhen became light. White all over, including white shelves, white walls, white ceiling in the shape of waves of the ocean. The style is an appropriate one of a coastal city, but it is not as gloomy as others might like it to be. Compared to the dark touches and mirror of Dujiangyan version that creates the depth, Shenzhen is more reminiscent of a contemporary art gallery. Light and airy, of course, but perhaps too sterile in case you want that lost in books feeling. Location's another issue. It is located in the Longgang District, which is an hour via metro to downtown Shenzhen. Not so convenient unless you happen to be in that sector of the city.

Chengdu Downtown Zhongshuge - Urban Literary Haven

There is also a Zhongshuge on Chengdu, located in Taikoo Li, in the very center of the city. Gaining entry was not difficult- jump off the metro Line 2 and stroll in three minutes. If you're spending time in downtown Chengdu anyway, the city's historical sites including Wenshu Monastery, People's Park teahouses, and ancient Jinli Street are all clustered within a 20-minute metro ride. It is smaller but, likely, half the size of the Dujiangyan branch. It pays much attention to modern design books and art catalogues, which is understandable, considering the high end consumer base of Taikoo Li. The thing is that here you are already on a day trip to Dujiangyan to visit the irrigation system, and you can also stop at the bookstore there. The irrigation theme is exclusive to that place, the area has more space, and you will not be evading shoppers barges of high-end stores.

Why Dujiangyan Branch Stands Out

The design of the Dujiangyan site is the only site that links to a UNESCO World Heritage site. Such inspiration of irrigation system is not to be found in Shanghai, Shenzhen or downtown Chengdu. Free entry and a smaller number of tourists would result in a more local-like experience as opposed to an Instagram checklist object. Dujiangyan bookstore is also better off with photographers, as the interiors are darker, which results in dramatic lighting, and weekday afternoons are not crowded enough to go window shopping. Families like the panda reading corner. Water engineering is the metaphor that attracts architecture enthusiasts. Book lovers simply like having space so that some one will not be hovering over their shoulder.

How to Get to Dujiangyan Bookstore from Chengdu (Step-by-Step)

Option 1: High-Speed Train + Taxi (Recommended)

Beginning at Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站). In six AM to nine PM, high-speed trains depart every half an hour to Dujiangyan Station (都江堰站). The ride lasts forty-five minutes. Rates of second-class are ¥15, first-class ¥30. Make reservations via the 12306 app in the event you have it installed, but go straight to the station counter. After getting to Dujiangyan Station, get out and take a taxi or Didi to "成都融创茂" which means Chengdu Rongchuang Mall in English.

Approximately 10 minutes drive, probably 15-20 by traffic. You should go through the main doors of the mall, escalator, to the second floor. The markers of "钟书阁" point you to the bookstore. One caution: trains to the holiday destination sell three or four days ahead. I have witnessed instances of those who are stranded in the station on the Golden Week due to the assumption that there are tickets on the same day. Make a reservation in case you are traveling during the Chinese New Year or the National Day. Taking the train to Dujiangyan bookstore is better than taking the highway as you do not pay highway tax and you do not have to pressure parking.

Option 2: Didi/Taxi Direct Route from Chengdu

Direct rides between downtown Chengdu- Tianfu square or the Chunxi road area cost between 100-120 and take eighty to a hundred minutes depending on the time of the day. When you are sharing it among three or four individuals, then that would be about ¥30 each, which is competing with the train. The only thing to do is to avoid Friday evenings, between five and seven PM. Similar case with Sunday afternoons between four and six. Rush hour traffic doubles the time of traveling; a ninety minutes ride will transform into close to three hours. It is a good idea to get to Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore by car in case you plan to visit the irrigation system on the same day and you want to be flexible about time.

Finding the Bookstore Inside Rongchuang Mall

Walk through the main entrance and head toward the central atrium. Escalator to the second floor is right there. Starbucks sits on the east side—use that as a landmark. The bookstore entrance sits opposite the cinema. Look up for "钟书阁" signage above the doors. Google Maps tends to drop the wrong pin for this Dujiangyan bookstore location. Use Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Amap (高德地图) instead. If you're navigating by GPS coordinates: 30.9882°N, 103.6177°E. That should drop you at the correct mall entrance at least.

FAQ About Dujiangyan Bookstore

Q: What is the famous bookstore in Dujiangyan?

The famous bookstore in Dujiangyan is Zhongshuge (钟书阁都江堰店), located on the second floor of Chengdu Rongchuang Mall. It's part of China's renowned Zhongshuge chain, but this branch stands out for its mirror ceiling design inspired by the nearby UNESCO Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The bookstore opened in 2019 and quickly became one of the most photographed literary spaces in Sichuan province, attracting both book lovers and architecture enthusiasts.

Q: Is Dujiangyan bookstore free to enter?

Yes, entry to Dujiangyan bookstore is completely free with no ticket or registration required. You can walk in anytime during operating hours (10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily) and browse freely. The bookstore makes revenue through book sales and the in-store café, but there's no pressure to purchase anything. This makes it significantly more accessible than many tourist attractions in the area, like the nearby irrigation system which charges ¥80 entrance fee.

Q: What are Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore opening hours?

Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore opens daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM without exception, including weekends and most public holidays. The only closure is on Chinese New Year's Eve (typically late January or early February). I recommend arriving by 8:00 PM if you want adequate browsing time, as staff begin closing procedures at 8:45 PM. The mall itself stays open until 10:00 PM, but the bookstore maintains its own schedule.

Q: How do I get to Dujiangyan bookstore from Chengdu?

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Dujiangyan Station (45 minutes, ¥15-30), then taxi to Rongchuang Mall (10 minutes, ¥15). Alternatively, book a Didi directly from Chengdu city center (80-100 minutes, ¥100-120). The train option is faster and more reliable, especially during rush hours. Once at the mall, take the escalator to the second floor and follow signs for "钟书阁." See detailed transport section above for step-by-step directions.

Q: Can I buy books at Dujiangyan bookstore?

Yes, books are available for purchase at Dujiangyan bookstore with prices matching standard retail rates (no discounts). The selection includes Chinese literature, children's books, design/architecture titles, and a small English section (around 10% of inventory, mostly classics and coffee table books). Payment accepts Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay cards. However, the selection is smaller than Shanghai or Beijing branches, focusing more on visual design books that complement the architectural space.

Q: Is photography allowed in Dujiangyan bookstore?

Photography is not only allowed but encouraged at Dujiangyan bookstore—the management knows the mirror ceiling is the main draw. Rules include: no flash (to protect books and other visitors' experience), tripods permitted before 6:00 PM, and no commercial/professional shoots without prior mall permission. Respect other visitors by not blocking walkways during peak hours. Staff may ask you to delete photos if you're photographing other customers without consent. Phone cameras work fine, but DSLR/mirrorless cameras capture the lighting better.

Q: What is Dujiangyan famous for besides the bookstore?

Beyond the bookstore, Dujiangyan is world-famous for its 2,200-year-old irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 256 BCE that still functions today. The area also features Qingcheng Mountain, one of Taoism's birthplaces with ancient temples and hiking trails. After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Dujiangyan became known for its giant panda rescue center. The town offers authentic Sichuan cuisine, particularly tofu dishes, making it a well-rounded destination combining history, nature, and culture.

Q: How long should I spend at Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore?

Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours at Dujiangyan Zhongshuge bookstore for a complete experience: 30 minutes browsing books and observing design details, 30 minutes for photography (waiting for clear shots during busy times), and 20-30 minutes at the café if desired. Quick visitors can cover the highlights in 30 minutes (mainly photo stops), while book enthusiasts who actually read might stay 2+ hours. Weekday visits allow more leisurely exploration without crowds rushing you.