Published on : 12/08/2024
Do you know that in Zhongshan, "Xiangshan Study" (香山書房) is as many as convenience stores?
This might sound exaggerated, but since the first batch of 15 “Xiangshan Study” were completed in June 2022, in just two years, a total of 107 "Xiangshan Study" have been established, with the growing speed just like the convenience stores.
So, what exactly is the "Xiangshan Study"? What makes it interesting?
A Cultural Brand developed by Zhongshan Government
The "Xiangshan Study", put simply, is a public library in Zhongshan, built by the Zhongshan Municipal Government to promote reading for the citizens.
It not only a free public library, but also serves as a venue for art exhibitions, cultural events, and small performances. It stands as a grand stage for promoting reading and culture in Zhongshan.
Since its establishment in 2022, 107 centres have rapidly opened, and make it become a unique cultural brand exclusively in Zhongshan.
The reason it is able to develop so quickly is that the Zhongshan Municipal Government has made use of old buildings, such as old venues in attractions, parks, campuses, old factories or old centres in villages, and transform them into appealing public reading spaces and cultural tourist attractions.
From old buildings to new landmarks
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The Lattice Space Xiangshan Study (格子空間香山書房) in Shiqi Street was originally an abandoned industrial building.
The government then retained the original structure of the factory and underwent a major renovation. Then, The Lattice Space Xiangshan Study is thus developed.
The Lattice Space Xiangshan Study is a library integrated with multi-functional area including reading area, exchange area, and exhibition area.
One of the main features of it is the Glass wall which allow sunlight shinning inside the building all day long. Readers sitting inside reading books is apparently a comfortable experience.
The six-meter-high book wall is another main feature of the Xiangshan Study.
Lijingyuan Xiangshan Study (荔景苑香山書房) is located in the national 3A tourist area called Lijingyuan (荔景苑).
It was converted from buildings of traditional Lingnan architecture and is awarded as "Most Beautiful New Public Cultural Space Case of 2022."
Lijingyuan Xiangshan Study is located near the famous bronze statue of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, and hold a collection of 3000 books.
There are a lot of famous tourist spots next to it, including Sun Wen Lotus Pond, Culture Corridor and Lijingyuan Folk · Quyi Culture Museum. Quyi is a kind of traditional Chinese performing arts.
There are a lot of ancient trees and lotus in the park, making the place an excellent reading atmosphere.
Cultural events such as quyi appreciation, drama performances, etc., are often held in Lijingyuan. People can not only enjoy reading and sightseeing but also have a chance to watch various cultural performances, experiencing the artistic culture of Zhongshan.
One of the main features of Lijingyuan Xiangshan Study is that there is a coffee shop called "Drunken Dragon Coffee".
The look and feel of the shop are classical. On the wall of the coffee shop, there is a picture of a dragon dancing which is the signature of the coffee shop.
The "Drunken Dragon Coffee" is the signature drink that you must not miss.
Xiangshan Studys that made from historical buildings
The Liaohou Reading Room Xiangshan Study (寮後閱讀報香山書房), located in Liaohou Village (寮後村) on Nanqu Subdistrict, is another beautiful "library" that has been converted from an old building.
The building of the Liaohou Reading Room Xiangshan Study was originally built in 1928. It is a two-storey of Arcade building.
The Zhongshan Municipal Government preserved the facade and structure and transform the first floor into a self-service library first. Later, different cultural activities were added, and it was upgraded to a Xiangshan Study.
Today, readers can enjoy reading books in the historical heritage building of Liaohou Village.
There are also some Xiangshan Studys found in rural areas.
Sanxiang Town Yongmo Xiangshan Study (三鄉鎮雍陌香山書房) was transformed from Yunzhang Zhengong Ancestral Hall (雲莊鄭公祠) of the Qing Dynasty, with a hard mountain-style roof (硬山式屋頂) and a gable-shaped fireproof wall (人字形封火山牆), carved beams and painted rafters inside and outside the hall, all reflecting the charms of the Qing Dynasty and the Lingnan architectural style.
It was converted into a Xiangshan Study, a good place for villagers to read and study.
Yongmo Xiangshan Study is also an audio library, incorporating "culture + technology + activities" to give traditional reading a whole new experience.
There are more than16,000 high-quality audio books there, even the elderly in the village can enjoy the pleasure of "reading".
In Fusha Town, the Fuxi Li Xiangshan Study (阜圩里香山書房) has been converted from old granaries to a new and trendy reading area.
The old blend of concrete walls and modern bookshelves are the highlight in the Xiangshan Study.
In Fusha Town, Fuxu Mountain (浮虛山) stands in the sea. Historical records shown that Fuxu Mountain was able to float up and down with the waves, which was quite spectacular.
It was known as one of the eight scenic spots of Xiangshan (香山八景) in the Ming Dynasty. Sitting by the Xiangshan Study, could there be any possible to look at this wonderful sight?
In Zhongshan, beautiful Xiangshan Studys are many.
Others like Sanxiang Town Qiaotou Rice Field Xiangshan Study (三鄉鎮橋頭稻田香山書房) is surrounded by a rice field. Sanjiao Town Sanjiao Park Xiangshan Study (三角鎮三角公園香山書房) is built by the lake with glass wall on four sides.
Dachong Town Antang Community Bamboo Forest Plaza Xiangshan Study (大涌鎮安堂社區竹林廣場香山書房) adopt the design of traditional Xiangshan folk houses, with Xiangshan culture, bamboo culture in its design.
The unique characteristics of each one have made them beautiful landmarks in Zhongshan!
The "Xiangshan Study" is fully incorporated into the city's library main branch service system.
Through the smart management system of "Xiangshan Study", the interconnection and mutual access between "Xiangshan Study" and public libraries across the city are achieved, enabling seamless borrowing and returning of books.
Don't miss this when you visit Zhongshan!