Looking for a quiet indoor spot in Shanghai where you can spend the entire day? A place to sip coffee, read, study, work, or simply daydream? You won't want to miss this gem – Heping Library – a 24-hour library tucked away in a Shanghai park.

This serene space sits inside Heping Park, a green oasis in the heart of the Hongkou District. The park itself is also open 24 hours and surrounded by major universities like Tongji University, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Fudan University, and Shanghai University of Sport, giving the area a strong academic and cultural vibe. Right next door is the historic Shanghai Education Television Station.

You can read and borrow books here. However, most of the collection is in Chinese. If you're looking for a wide selection of books in their original languages, you might be a bit disappointed – although there is a special shelf (or more accurately, a small corner) for foreign-language books.

That said, if you're simply looking for a quiet place to read, study, or work, this spot is perfect. And if you happen to be an international student at a nearby university, it could become your go-to place once your campus library closes.

You'll find the library near Gate 5 of the park. Rather than a single building, it's a beautiful complex that includes the General Hall, Children's Hall, Heping Art Gallery, and Kan Cha She, plus a surrounding green lawn.

Address: 891 Tianbao Rd, inside Heping Park (near Gate 5)

Metro: Line 8 or 10, Siping Road Station

1. General Hall | 综合馆

During the day, part of the first floor operates as a cafe where a purchase is required to sit. After 9pm, the cafe closes, and the space transforms into a quiet reading zone, open 24 hours a day. The outdoor areas also fill up with night owls, books in hand, staying late into the night.

From afar, the General Hall looks like a giant tent with a wooden roof shaped like fluttering book pages. The transparent second floor floats above boxy structures below, giving it a striking modern look.

Inside, you'll find a staffed service desk and self-checkout machines. With a 100-yuan (US$13.75) deposit, you can get a library card and access tens of thousands of books.

Already have a Shanghai Library card? You can use it here too – or just scan your ID or Suishenma. However, do note that only general lending is supported (Reference Lending is still exclusive to Sthe hanghai Library on Huaihai Rd).

If you're a foreigner, remember to bring your passport to register for a library card. The front desk staff might be able to help you, if you're lucky enough to meet someone who speaks English. Of course, if your Chinese is good, then no worries. An even better option would be to register directly at the Shanghai Library.

A winding staircase leads up to the second floor, where spacious reading zones are filled with shelves and large communal desks. There are outlets, USB ports, HDMI jacks, and even wireless charging stations – all designed for a calm and productive reading experience.

One of the terraces upstairs faces the park's greenery. Reading with a view of trees? Yes, please.

Tips:

• First Floor: Open 24 hours, Tuesday to Sunday
• Second Floor: 9am-9pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Closed Monday mornings, open from 1pm (except public holidays)
• If you haven't obtained a library card yet, you can easily apply for one on-site with your ID.
• There are free water dispensers available, so feel free to bring your own cup.

2. Children's Hall | 少儿馆

The Children's Hall and the General Hall have similar layouts, featuring traditional Chinese-style roofs paired with large glass windows that bring the greenery inside. The two buildings stand side by side, connected by shared eaves. Inside, the design combines soft shades of gray-blue, green, and white, with charming arched doors that add a playful yet elegant touch.

Books for younger kids are placed lower and displayed face-out, making them easy to browse. There are also cozy window seats and a play-reading area with mats for toddlers (shoes off required). Many parents enjoy sitting in this area, happily reading with their children.

Outside the area, there are additional reading spaces and tables, where you'll often find kids doing their homework in the evening.

Older kids can find more advanced reading on the second floor, including a section of original English titles.

Bathrooms are family-friendly, and the second-floor terrace has fun spinning chairs for kids, while adults can relax on the steps.

Opening hours:

• 9am-8pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Closed on Monday mornings, open from 1pm (except public holidays)

3. Heping Art Gallery | 艺术馆

This underground gallery beside the Children's Hall is encased in glass and boasts modern design. When there's no exhibition, a sign at the entrance lets you know. Even then, it's a great photo spot.

Opening hours:

• 9am-8pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Closed Monday mornings, open from 1pm (except public holidays)

4. Kan Cha She | 刊茶社

Don't leave without visiting Kan Cha She, the lakefront reading cafe with more than 1,500 international magazines. Every item is available to read, borrow, or buy. If you're interested, you can apply for a borrowing card, which is different from the one used in the General Hall. This card is specifically for borrowing magazines.

The interior blends the aesthetic of a Chinese tea house with a chic modern vibe. There are sofas where you can relax or read magazines. However, the café area requires a purchase to sit.

A spiral staircase leads up to the second floor, with curved bookshelves filled with a variety of magazines. From afar, the colorful collection creates a striking and beautiful display.

Outside, the cylindrical glass rooms are ultra Instagrammable – but they're not cheap. Booking one requires a minimum spend of 388 yuan and a reservation at least 2-3 days in advance. Upstairs is Monet Evo Park Restaurant (莫奈湖畔餐厅), a stylish spot for Western cuisine and afternoon tea.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Borrowing Rules:

• Card Fee: 299 yuan/year
• The borrowing card is valid for one year from the date of issue.
• Unlimited borrowing during the validity period.
• The card can be renewed or reissued after it expires.
• All magazines are available for borrowing.
• Borrow up to 5 magazines at a time
• Return the borrowed magazines within 7 days with no late fees.
• Late returns are subject to a 1 yuan per magazine per day fee after the 7-day period.
• All returns must be in person.
• You may entrust someone else to return the magazines, but returns via courier are not accepted.
• Before borrowing, please check and confirm with the staff that the magazines are in good condition. If any magazines are found damaged, stained, or marked upon return, you will be required to purchase them at the original price.
• Card replacements cost 20 yuan.
• No refunds except for special reasons.

Glass Room Usage Rules:

• Operating hours: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, 6pm-9pm
• Minimum Spend: 388 yuan (for reference, subject to change)
• Applicable only to restaurant's designated set menus.
• Maximum Capacity: 6 people
• Prohibited Activities: Smoking and playing cards are not allowed.

Reservation Policy:

• Weekdays: Reservations must be made 2-3 days in advance.
• Weekends and public holidays: Reservations must be made one week in advance.

Reservation: 021-35073608

This isn't just a library – it's part of the park's daily rhythm.

People who once walked past out of curiosity now hold library cards and come to read. Early mornings are for retirees who arrive at 5:30am to start their day with books. Afternoons belong to freelancers and students preparing for exams. Evenings welcome parents and kids for quiet reading time after school. And at night, it becomes a peaceful haven for students and late-night readers.

Surrounded by books and trees, filled with soft lights and quiet whispers, this is the city's glow – a tranquil reminder of why public spaces matter.

And yes, because it's open 24 hours and located in a public park, there's a police post right next door, with staff and security personnel regularly patrolling to ensure safety.