The New Tianjin Binhai Library in China is a Spectacular Sight—Though Many of Its Books Are Illusory

Buzz

A grand new library in Tianjin, China, is capturing global attention, appealing to both book enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. As reported by Arch Daily, the five-level Tianjin Binhai Library can house over a million books, which guests can enjoy in a stunning, spiral-shaped auditorium surrounded by towering bookshelves.

Several years back, officials in Tianjin enlisted a team of Dutch and Japanese architects to create five new structures, including the library, for a cultural hub in the city’s Binhai district. These buildings are linked by a glass-enclosed walkway, yet the Tianjin Binhai Library remains a standout masterpiece on its own.

The library’s central atrium draws comparisons to the iconic Guggenheim Museum in New York City, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. However, there’s a twist: the mesmerizing shelves don’t actually contain thousands of books. Upon closer inspection, you’ll see that the shelves feature digital images of books. While around 200,000 real books are housed in other sections of the library, the breathtaking main hall is primarily designed for socializing and reading, as noted by Mashable.

The 'shelves'—some doubling as steps or seating—rise in a graceful curve around a massive

mirrored sphere. Combined, these features create the illusion of a colossal eye, earning the attraction the nickname 'The Eye of Binhai,' as reported by Newsweek. Beyond its awe-inspiring main hall, the 36,000-square-foot library includes reading rooms, lounges, offices, meeting spaces, and two rooftop patios.

After three years of construction, the Tianjin Binhai Library officially opened its doors on October 1, 2017. If a trip to China isn’t feasible, you can still explore this architectural wonder through a virtual tour by viewing the photos below.

FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]