Shanghai Library, at 1555 Huaihai Road in Xuhui District, is a major public library with more than 13 million books, newspapers and journals. Its collections include English-language books, rare Western volumes, correspondence, family trees and stone inscriptions. The building is worth seeing for its architecture, and inside you can browse interactive exhibits and the Friendship Library’s foreign-language collection on the fourth floor. Bring an identity document to register before using library services; access to some rooms is controlled.
Collections across languages and formats
Shanghai Library holds more than 13 million books, newspapers and journals. Its holdings include rare Western books, correspondence, family trees and stone inscriptions, alongside books in English and Chinese.
The Friendship Library on the fourth floor brings together foreign-language books from countries including the United States, Japan and Russia. It is one of the library’s distinct collections, so allow time to find it during your visit.
Exhibits and the building
The library presents exhibits that incorporate new technologies, including interactive displays, demonstrations and audio-video presentations. The building itself is also a reason to stop: its architecture has drawn attention, and its history includes use as the Shanghai Race Club before it became Shanghai Library, Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Art Museum in succession.
A bookshop and café are inside the building, along with a Starbucks and coffee vending machines. These can add a break to a visit focused on the collections or exhibits.
Registration and access
You need to register with an identity document to use library services. Some rooms are closely controlled, so having registered does not necessarily mean every reading room will be open to you.
Plan around the collection you most want to see. The fourth-floor Foreign Book Collection closes at 5 pm, while some rooms on the first and second floors remain open later. The library has wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
Häufige Fragen
Do you need an identity document to use Shanghai Library?
Yes. Bring an identity document to register for library services.
Where is the Friendship Library?
It is on the fourth floor and holds foreign-language books from countries including the United States, Japan and Russia.
When does the fourth-floor Foreign Book Collection close?
It closes at 5 pm.
What can you see at Shanghai Library?
The collections include books, newspapers, journals, rare Western volumes, correspondence, family trees and stone inscriptions. The library also has interactive exhibits.
