Expats marvel at Qianhai's landmark bookstore

Video and photos by Zeng Jianhong

A group of 25 expatriates from 15 countries gathered in the heart of the Greater Qianhai area, on October 11 for a cultural tour of the newly opened “Eyes of the GBA,” a landmark physical bookstore that is close to the Bay Glory Ferries Wheel.

Participants pose for a group photo in front of the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, also known as "Eyes of the GBA," in Qianhai. 

The event, the 17th edition of the “HiQianhai” series, offered the international participants an in-depth look at one of the city’s highlighted cultural projects. Participants explored 13 key areas within the facility, each designed to blend reading, art, technology, and tradition.

“The place is incredible, I will recommend friends to come here,” said Katie McGill, a Qianhai resident, echoing a sentiment shared by many. “The HiQianhai event, which I joined twice is a cool way to meet other people and help us understand Shenzhen better.”

An EyeShenzhen staffer introduces the bookstore to participants. 

The Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, operated by Shenzhen Publishing Group, has a total floor area of 131,000 square meters and features twin disc-like structures seamlessly integrated into the coastal green axis.

During the tour, guests experienced a range of spaces, from the humanistic-themed reading hall to the immersive “Art Garden” with its 270-degree panoramic views. They also encountered interactive installations and AI-powered music booth.

Participants watch a Tang Dynasty mural art exhibition at the bookstore. 

One highlight was the “Wisdom Tree,” a symbolic centerpiece made of mirrored stainless steel and thermochromic glass, representing the growth of knowledge. The group also visited the folk museum, where the Tang Dynasty mural art exhibition is currently on display.

In the tech zone, guests explored the Shenzhen tech exhibition, featuring innovations from brands like BYD, Huawei, and DJI, as well as a smart robot demonstration center.

“The area is very modern,” said Stanislau Kulaha, a generation-Z student from Harbin Institute of technology Shenzhen. “I like to walk here and have more discoveries.” He said he was impressed to find the art and design book zone and books related to AI tools such as Deepseek. 

Several participants also noted the convenience of Qianhai’s literary resources. “I borrowed English books from the Qianhai library several times—it’s very convenient for both adults and children,” said Irina Nagaevskaia, a Russian purchasing manager. “Having a space like this makes living here even more enriching.”

The “Eyes of the GBA” aims to host over 1,000 cultural events annually, reinforcing its role as a key destination for both locals and international visitors in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Participants take photos of a robotic dog on display.

Sponsored by the Qianhai International Cooperation Center and organized by EyeShenzhen, the event aims to invite more people to experience the newest cultural facilities in Qianhai and experience the charm of Shenzhen, a UNESCO-recognized "Global Model City for Reading."

As one of the core engines of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Qianhai is taking an open, inclusive approach to building international cross-cultural exchange platforms. Through a dynamic calendar of offline events — from tech meetups and international reading clubs to cultural workshops — coupled with streamlined, one-stop international services, Qianhai is solidifying its status as a premier destination for global visitors and entrepreneurs in Shenzhen.

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