Jiaolou library: Beijing landmark turned into distinctive library

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As a landmark of old Beijing, the southeastern Corner Watchtower of Beijing's outer city, which is now located in the Dongcheng District, has been restored and turned into a new library, which specializes in collecting books and items that relate to the city.

Jiaolou Library was built on the ruins of Beijing's South East Corner Watchtower, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty about 600 years ago.

The three-story library serves as a good place for readers to learn about the history, people, and events of Beijing.

Paintings on the first floor. /CGTN Photo

Oil paintings, water-colors and other items related to old Beijing can be seen upon stepping into the library.

With exhibitions and cultural activities on the first floor, the library aims to showcase Beijing's traditional culture and lifestyle to visitors.

Exhibition of old Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Zuo Kun, the curator, started to launch interesting activities related to old Beijing or its traditional culture in the library almost every day. These include teaching visitors how to make Beijing's traditional Tanghulu (candied fruits) snack, or sharing stories about chopsticks.

The second floor. /CGTN Photo

Over 6,000 books, along with newspapers and periodicals, have been placed in the second floor's reading area. All kinds of books can be found here, especially those books about the city.

The outside view of Jiaolou Library. /CGTN Photo

The "watchtower library" also attracts visitors from abroad. Subbu Murthy from the US, who traveled with his wife in China, said the library reminded him a similar one in India where he grew up.

The library opened to the public for free at the end of October following a two-year restoration.

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