Chongqing, known as the world’s largest inland mountain and water city, is a vibrant metropolis surrounded by mountains and rivers. Historically cherished by scholars and poets, it remains a place that captivates hearts today. The Zhongshu Pavilion has now become an integral part of this poetic and scenic city, located in Yangjiaping Zhongdi Square.
From the third-floor escalator, the eye is immediately drawn to the distinctive text-covered curtain wall of the Zhongshu Pavilion. Upon entering the main hall, you’re greeted by a variety of “lampshade bookshelves” set against a dark brown backdrop illuminated by warm lighting. This cozy space invites visitors to relax, leave their fatigue behind, and enjoy a luxurious reading experience, basking in the comfort of a grand “study.”
Leaving the lampshade study, you enter the reading corridor, where rows of neatly arranged bookshelves flank the arched doorways, creating “tunnels through a sea of books” reflected on the polished floor. A long book table stretches ahead, guiding visitors toward the vast expanse of knowledge.
The children’s library, situated in a separate corner, bursts with colors in its picture book section, celebrating a lively and engaging theme. Through BIM tutorials, the unique landscape, architecture, and transportation of Chongqing’s mountainous cityscape have been beautifully illustrated here, allowing children to experience the city’s charm while enjoying their books.
Continuing past the reading corridor and children’s library, you enter the main reading hall. This space is encircled by a “mountain-shaped staircase” that ascends layer by layer. The ceiling is fully mirrored, creating a surreal, reflective environment that blurs the line between reality and illusion.
As you climb the staircase, sometimes reaching higher vantage points, sometimes looking into the distance, you can pick up a book and immerse yourself in the thoughts and ideas found within its pages.
Ascending from the “mountain-shaped staircase” to the fourth floor, you will find the leisure and coffee reading area. Here, with a cup of aromatic tea or the subtle scent of coffee, your mind can find tranquility like a clear spring.
Surrounded by the signature lampshade bookshelves, private booths have been crafted to offer intimate spaces for gatherings and relaxation. This coffee reading area connects seamlessly to the boutique reading section, where visitors can explore the wisdom of sages and masters across various fields, receiving a profound spiritual enrichment.
We hope that everyone visiting Zhongshuge not only finds great and new books but also meets many like-minded friends. This space is designed for interaction—between individuals and books, between individuals and life, and most importantly, between individuals themselves.
Design Drawings:
▲ Third Floor Plan
▲ Fourth Floor Plan
Project Information:
Interior Design: Weixiang International
Address: 3rd Floor, Zhongdi Plaza, Yangjiaping District, Chongqing, China
Category: Interior Design
Lead Architect: Li Xiang
Design Team: Liu Huan
Owner: Shanghai Zhongshu Industrial Co., Ltd
Building Area: 1,300 square meters
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Shao Feng (BIM work)
Suppliers: Autodesk, Dulux, TAIWANGLASS, Fórmica
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