Chongqing bookshops open new chapter

CHONGQING — Despite the risks posed by the current cyber age, Zou Qing (pseudonym), a booklover, bravely opened a bookstore in Southwest China's Chongqing city in 2021, even as the pandemic lingered on.

"At that time, I came back from Vietnam where I opened a Chinese restaurant, and was eager to find new things to do. I love reading books, so my friend said why not open a bookshop? Also, secondhand ones can lower the cost," says Zou.

Within half a month, Zou had set up his secondhand bookshop named Wududu, meaning "reckless" in the Chongqing dialect. Zou set up the bookshop in a residential building due to cost considerations.

"This name accurately describes my bold decision, as many people told me that it could not make money," the 33-year-old says.

Zou was pleasantly surprised to find that many people were interested in his small bookshop and its offerings. "My bottom line is to earn 1,000 yuan ($145) every month, which would be enough to sustain the shop's operations," says Zou.

"My customers often convey that they hope this bookshop can stay open, saying the bookshop is like a spiritual corner for them," he says.

The unseasoned shop owner also found a new sense of pleasure in seeing his customers find the joy of reading a good book. He treated it as their recognition of him since he had handpicked all the books in the store.

"Some independent bookshop owners have big ambitions, like affecting a large group of people. For me, if I could help dozens of people find their love for reading throughout this journey, I think that would be enough," Zou says.

While Zou might have a modest attitude, the fact is that in recent years, Chongqing's secondhand shops have been on the rise, becoming an alternative for booklovers.

Zou Yang, 32, is also a regular customer at Wududu.

"Before, I was more into new books, but now I think secondhand books have unique advantages, such as the price, and the tinted pages that are good for the eyes. Also, you can scavenge for out-of-print editions," says Zou Yang.

Li Shu, also a regular customer at Wududu, opened her own secondhand bookshop in April. Li quit her job last July as an employee at a foreign-invested bank for seven years in search of a new lifestyle.

"I found that an increasing number of young people have become accepting of secondhand books. As the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, I have faith in my business," Li says, adding she is planning to host different kinds of activities, like exchanging books and reading salons, to bring more vigor to her bookshop.