Artron Art Center

Chinese name: 雅昌艺术中心, Yǎchāng Yìshù Zhōngxīn

Bookworms and art lovers will marvel at the astonishing shū qiáng (literarily “book wall”) at this cultural center, an architectural cliff-face of illuminated bookshelves.

 A zig-zagging staircase facing it provides inspiring vantage points for Instagram-worthy pics, but you’ll see few social media snappers here because of the entry fee, which, cleverly, can be put towards anything in the fifth-floor bookshop, a library-like space home to what must surely be China’s best selection of international art books.

It’s a pleasure browsing the bookshelves when you know you’ve got to choose a book (although your money can also be redeemed in the onsite cafe).

Cosy seating nooks and sofas let you read before you buy, and there’s a fascinating collection of historic Chinese tomes to thumb through wearing the silk gloves provided. Buy your entry ticket from the counter inside.

Tel: 8336-6138

Website: www.artron.com.cn

Add: Yachang Dasha, 19 Shenyun Lu (深云路19号雅昌大厦)

Metro: Line 2/8 to Qiaocheng North, Exit D