We all know Shanghai is the city of dreams, but did you know it's also a literary treasure trove? Whether you're a bookworm, a coffee lover, or just someone seeking a quiet nook, these 14 bookstores should be on your radar.
From vintage charm to sleek modern vibes, each store carries its own story, waiting for you to discover it. Let's take a stroll through the city's magical literary spots that you should not miss!
1. UNO Garden – A Bookshop with a Side of History
Hidden in a tranquil neighborhood shaded by parasol trees, UNO Garden is more than just a bookstore – it's an experience. Imagine stepping into a cozy villa, its walls steeped in nearly 100 years of history, with a crackling fireplace and a book that you're only allowed to buy once a week. Oh, and did we mention the fragrant tea and incense? Every book here is paired with a touch of magic.
Opening hours: 1pm-8pm (Mondays-Fridays),12pm-9pm (Saturdays -Sundays)
Address: 51 Yongfu Rd, Xuhui District
徐汇区永福路51号
Reading at UNO Garden is an experience.
Take time out in the courtyard.
2. Qundao (群岛) BOOKS – A Quiet Retreat for the Soul
If you've ever dreamed of reading next to a peaceful river while sipping artisan coffee, then 群岛BOOKS is your sanctuary. Nestled on the West Bund, it's the bookish equivalent of a private island. With minimalist grey walls and touches of blue, the place screams serenity. It's perfect for designers, architects, or anyone who loves browsing for books in an artistic, thoughtful space.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Address: 204, Bldg 3, Gate M West Bund Dream Center, 2266 Longteng Ave, Xuhui District
徐汇区龙腾大道2266号Gate M西岸梦中心3号楼204
Children are welcome.
The shop features minimalist grey walls and touches of blue.
3. Papermoon Bookshop – Feminism Meets Fantasy
Step into a bookstore that's a celebration of strong women, not just in words but in ambiance. Papermoon brings feminist theory to life in a space that is as dreamy as its name. The bookshelves are stocked with some of the most powerful works on gender equality.
Opening hours: 11am-8pm
Address: 42 Tianping Rd, Xuhui District
徐汇区天平路42号
The store features open spaces.
Great women writers are celebrated.
4. Kubrick – A Cinematic Bookstore
If you're the kind of person who loves movies as much as books, then head to Kubrick Bookstore at Taikoo Li. Named after the legendary director Stanley Kubrick, this store combines literature, cinema and an atmosphere so artistic that you'll never want to leave.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Address: Taikoo Li, 500 Dongyu Rd, Pudong New Area
浦东新区东育路500号太古里
Winfried Sebald - Brain Disorder.
Works in different languages are available.
5. The City Never Sleeps – Shanghai's 24-Hour Book Haven
Open around the clock, this industrial-style bookstore is ideal for night owls. With a massive book wall and moody interior, it's a quiet, quirky escape.
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: A109, Bldg A, 18 Jinhai Rd, Pudong New Area
浦东新区金海路18号A幢A109
The massive book wall is a feature.
The store has an industrial feel.
6. BOOCUP Modern Bookstore – Art, Vinyl and Vibes
Imagine browsing books, flipping through vinyl records, and sniffing a lovely home fragrances – all in one place. That's BOOCUP! Located on the West Bund, this modern bookstore merges art, music and reading, making it the ultimate spot for creative souls.
Opening hours: 9am-9pm
Address: 2266 Longteng Ave, Gate M West Bund Dream Center, Xuhui District
徐汇区龙腾大道2266号Gate M西岸梦中心
Three in one at this store.
Browse books on the street.
7. Muyunji (牧云记) – For Music and Literature Lovers
A visually striking bookstore that's both a bookstore and a music lover's paradise. It features themed spaces and even a listening room for vinyl enthusiasts.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Address: Blackstone Apartments, 1331 Fuxing Rd M., Xuhui District
徐汇区复兴中路1331号黑石公寓
Books and music combine.
For lovers of vinyl.
8. Bananafish – Indie Spirit and Art Magazines
This independent bookstore focuses on art magazines and niche publications. Its warm, wood-inspired design makes it a cozy spot for art lovers.
Opening hours: 10am-7pm
Address: 7 Hongbaoshi Rd, Changning District
长宁区红宝石路7号
Wooden finishes welcome shoppers.
The store is a cosy spot.
9. Rhino Bookstore – Vintage Finds for Book Collectors
A second-hand bookstore with rare and vintage books. It has an old-school vibe with no frills, but its carefully curated selection makes it a hidden gem for bibliophiles.
Opening hours: 2pm-8pm
Address: A101, 1040 Nansuzhou Rd, Jing'an District
静安区南苏州路1040号A101
With so many books, the store is overflowing.
Vintage books and magazines are on offer.
10. FILM Books – Where Cinema Meets Literature
A bookstore dedicated to film-related literature, housed in a historic Spanish-style building. It offers a wide selection of film-related books and hosts events on movie culture.
Opening hours: 10am-6:30pm
Address: 322 Anfu Rd, Xuhui District
徐汇区安福路322号
The store has a Spanish vibe.
The store is for lovers of books and film.
11. Dododo Book – A Museum Bookstore with Flair
Located in the Power Station of Art, this vibrant bookstore showcases contemporary art and philosophy books, with a lively design by French designer Matali Crasset.
Opening hours: 11am-7pm
Address: Power Station of Art, 678 Miaojiang Rd, Huangpu District
黄浦区苗江路678号上海当代艺术博物馆内
The lively design is a feature.
The store showcases contemporary art.
12. Naive 理想国 – Literary Cocktails & Culture
A cozy bookstore that serves coffee and cocktails inspired by literary works. It's an excellent space for enjoying books and drinks while soaking in the culture.
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, 6:30pm-1am
Address: 78 Huqiu Rd, Huangpu District
黄浦区虎丘路78号
Read great works in a comfortable setting.
A tub full of great reading!
13. Wudi (物邸) BookStore – A Retro Sanctuary for Readers
A retro-style bookstore focused on creating a peaceful reading experience. All books are available for borrowing, not for sale. It's a space to relax and escape from the stresses of life.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Address: 11 Hunan Rd, Xuhui District
徐汇区湖南路11号
A place to relax.
It's discussion month.
14. New City Bookhouse (新山书屋) – A Forest-Inspired Literary Retreat
Set in Qiantan Park Lane, this designed bookstore blends books, greenery and natural wood in a peaceful, two-level space. With over 10,000 curated titles, an in-store café and cozy reading nooks, it's perfect for those seeking quiet and creativity.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Address: 1/F, Bldg N3, Qiantan Park Lane, Lane 199, Qiantan Ave, Pudong New Area
浦东新区前滩大道199弄前滩公园巷N3栋1楼
New City Bookhouse at Qiantan area
It has over 10,000 curated titles, an in-store café and cozy reading nooks