A total of 382 bookstores opened in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, in 2020, helping the city to rank second nationally for newly opened bookstores last year, according to information recently released at the annual meeting of Chinese bookstores in Beijing.

In recent years, Xi'an's brick-and-mortar bookstores have developed rapidly through policy guidance, financial support and business transformation, which have also promoted a significant improvement in the city's cultural atmosphere.

Not only is the number of bookstores in Xi'an increasing, but the forms of bookstores in the city are also getting richer. In addition to large chain bookstores, many Xi'an residents enjoy reading at smaller, community-based bookshops.

The Huangcheng Bookstore, which was put into operation last summer, is a key cultural project introduced by Jiefangmen sub-district of Xincheng district. Using the community as a carrier, it integrates book sales, reading and a cafe experience, building a comprehensive cultural service platform for the community.

Huangcheng Bookstore is a community bookstore in Jiefangmen sub-district of Xincheng district, Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an municipal government's WeChat public account]

Xi'an Qindu Sub-district Reading Center is among the first batch of sub-district reading centers built in the Xi'an High-tech Industrial Development Zone in Xi'an and Shaanxi at large.

After several years of development, there are now more than 10 reading centers there, realizing full coverage of towns and streets in the zone.

Bookstores at Xi'an's colleges and universities have integrated an academic atmosphere and the fragrance of freshly bound books.

Over the years, Xinhua Bookstore Xidian 1931, located on the north campus of Xidian University, has remained popular and is a fine example of a dynamic on-campus bookstore.

People browse books at Xinhua Bookstore Xidian 1931 at Xidian University in Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an municipal government's WeChat public account]

Besides selling books, the store offers coffee, project roadshows and cultural seminars, and focuses on enriching the lives of teachers, students and the community.

In addition, various themed bookstores, popular online bookstores, international chain bookstores and 24-hour bookstores have provided more reading opportunities for Xi'an residents.

Guilai Bookstore in Xi'an High-tech Industrial Development Zone is the first 24-hour bookstore in Northwest China, covering more than 1,000 square meters. [Photo/Xi'an municipal government's WeChat public account]