Shanghai’s First In-Station “Library” Opens at Shanghai South Station, Covering 400 Square Meters

On August 5th, the Huiyue Reading Lighthouse Study Room, a collaborative project between Shanghai Railway Station and Xuhui District Library (Xujiahui Academy), was officially unveiled at Shanghai South Railway Station, becoming a new cultural landmark. Covering approximately 400 square meters, the study room features nine themed sections with over a thousand books available for travelers to read for free. It is the first “library” established inside a railway station in Shanghai.

After passing through the security check at the northwest entrance of Shanghai South Railway Station and turning right, visitors can spot a “lighthouse” near the “Xinshang” service studio. A short walk beyond the lighthouse leads to a golden corridor where the study room is located. Inside, books are categorized into nine genres, including railway history, Shanghai-style culture, travel guides, children’s picture books, and classic literature. “We carefully considered the reading needs of passengers of all ages and curated a diverse selection of books. All travelers waiting for their trains are welcome to enjoy them for free,” said Gong Zhe, director of the Shangnan Passenger Transport Department at Shanghai Railway Station.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by greenery and polygonal seating, maintaining the station’s eco-friendly and cultural atmosphere. A 50-meter-long golden steel archway, divided into three ascending sections, blends Eastern and Western architectural influences while symbolizing the evolution of transportation from the steam era to the high-speed rail age. “I just wanted a place to rest, but then I noticed a book about Zhejiang’s tourist attractions,” said a passenger, Ms. Li, with a smile. “I was planning to take my child to Hangzhou today, so this is perfect for updating our travel plans.”

Notably, although the renovation and upgrade of Shanghai South Railway Station were completed just six months ago, Shanghai Railway Station continues to refine the facility with “small-scale improvements and updates” to enhance passenger experience and promote cultural engagement. In addition to the “Lighthouse Study Room,” initiatives include the “Shangmei” art gallery, exhibitions featuring artwork by children with autism, collaborations with the game “Genshin Impact” for themed displays and photo spots, and the distribution of custom-designed station-themed文创 products at the “Xinshang” service studio. A new medical clinic offering services like医保 card payments and basic health check-ups has also been introduced. During the summer travel season, daily passenger traffic at Shanghai South Railway Station reached 52,000, a 78% increase year-on-year.

The Lighthouse Study Room represents a new experiment in integrating “transportation and culture” at Shanghai South Railway Station. Moving forward, it will host tailored activities such as “travel book recommendations” and reading-sharing events based on passenger flow trends.