Qingpu Library was initially established in December 1959 and relocated to Puyang Pavilion by Xiayang Lake in July 2007, with the official opening of the new building on August 28th. This ‘library on water’ has become one of the most distinctive and elegant libraries in the Shanghai area, offering readers not only the pleasure of reading but also a spiritual enjoyment. Strolling along the Xiayang Lake in Qingpu city, one can see the unique building of the library, designed by the renowned architect Ma Qingyun, quietly standing in the water, echoing with the museum on the opposite shore, both becoming the iconic structures of Qingpu New City.
The modern-style library covers an area of 8000 square meters, composed of two interlaced wave-shaped buildings, resembling two giant waves gracefully extending towards the heart of the lake from the east and west. The ‘Lake Heart Corridor’ extending from the central part of the main library building tightly connects this massive structure with the lake shore. One of the most characteristic features of the water library is the approximately 4000 square meters rooftop park, with green plants covering the wave-shaped rooftops, providing relaxation for the mind and body. There are four staircases on both the east and west sides; ascending to the rooftop park via these staircases during breaks from reading to enjoy the lake views is a special benefit of this library.
The library is open from 13:00 to 20:30 on Mondays throughout the year; and from 09:00 to 20:30 on Tuesdays to Sundays, with specific business hours subject to the day’s opening status.
