A low-key bookstore in a renovated underground parking lot underneath Wutaishan

Stadium, Librairie Avant-Garde has won international acclaims from CNN, BBC, The

Guardian, National Geographic and many other media outlets.

 

Walking up the slope that still retains yellow traffic stripes on the ground, customers will find themselves in a roomy reading area divided by rows of shelves. On the right side is the cashier counter made up of thousands of old books, an art gallery and displays of gift items. Looking back at the slope, people can see a big crucifix on the wall. This spiritual guidance shines upon each visitor, and the crucifix has become a symbol of this bookstore.

 

Librairie Avant-Garde is not the first try of Qian to build a bridge between the worldly life of ordinary citizens and the Utopia of art, but it is the most successful one. Recognized as one of Nanjing’s cultural landmarks, Librairie Avant-Garde is famous for its complex of architecture, religion and humanity from home and abroad.