Nanjing Library

Introducing Nanjing Library

Nanjing Library, located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, is abbreviated as NTU. It is the third largest library in China and the fourth largest library in Asia. It is a provincial public library in Jiangsu Province, one of the first national key ancient book protection units, a national first-class library, and the Jiangsu Provincial Document Resource Guarantee Center.

The predecessor of Nanjing Library was the Jiangnan Library founded in 1907 (the 33rd year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty), which was the first public library in China. In 1927, it was changed to the National Central University Chinese Studies Library. In 1933, the National Government established the National Central Library. In 1952, the Chinese Studies Library and the original Central Library merged to form the current Nanjing Library. In 2007, the new Nanjing Library was completed and fully opened.

According to the library's official website as of September 2018, the library boasts a floor area of ​​approximately 78,000 square meters, 20 reading rooms, and over 4,000 seats. The library holds a collection of over 12 million volumes, including 1.6 million ancient books, including 140,000 rare books, and 700,000 volumes of Republican-era documents, 524 of which have been included in the National List of Precious Ancient Books. Nanjing Library has 16 departments and 531 staff members.

Climate and best time to travel

With its subtropical monsoon climate, Nanjing Library and Nanjing Disabled Persons’ Federation founded the Audio Book Library for the Blind in 1990. Equipped with recording cassette decks, VCDs, CD players, fast duplicators, CD burners, computers, recording production equipment, and other equipment, the library is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Foreign books and periodicals

According to information on the library's official website in September 2018, Nanjing Library has a collection of more than 600,000 foreign language books, 908 Western periodicals, and 36 newspapers.

Precious ancient books

According to the library's official website in September 2018, Nanjing Library holds a collection of over 1.6 million ancient books, of which approximately 1 million have been organized, including over 100,000 rare books, including nearly 200 Song and Yuan dynasty printed editions and nearly 7,000 Ming dynasty printed editions. Over 60 rare books in Nanjing Library's collection were included in the five batches of the "National List of Precious Ancient Books" published in 2016, including a manuscript of "Shizhou Shihua," a Ming Hongwu printed edition of "Shushi Huiyao," and a Qing Dynasty copy of "Qing'an Xiansheng Zhonghe Ji."

Documents of the Republic of China

According to information on the library's official website in September 2018, Nanjing Library has a collection of more than 700,000 volumes of documents from the Republic of China, including more than 400,000 books, nearly 10,000 periodicals, and more than 1,000 newspapers from the period.

It is recommended to play for 5 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Tuesday to Friday 9:00-21:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Nanjing Library

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Nanjing Library is one of the largest and oldest libraries in China. It holds a significant place in Nanjing's educational and cultural landscape, providing a vast collection of resources for students, researchers, and the public. The library also serves as a hub for various cultural and educational events.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Nanjing Library is located in the Jianye District of Nanjing. It can be easily accessed by metro (Line 1, Nanjing Library Station) or bus. Taxis and walking are also convenient options depending on your location in the city.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The library is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during special events. Weekdays are less crowded, making them the best time to visit if you prefer a quieter experience.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry to the Nanjing Library is free for all visitors. However, some events or exhibitions may require a small fee, which can be paid at the venue.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No, there is no need to book tickets in advance for general entry. For special events or exhibitions, it is recommended to check in advance for ticket availability, especially during busy seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can fully explore the Nanjing Library in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in browsing books or participating in events. If you plan to attend a lecture or event, it may take longer.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The most notable areas include the main reading rooms, the rare books section, and the exhibition halls. The architecture itself is impressive, with modern design elements that blend with traditional aspects of Chinese culture.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Chinese may be offered for exhibitions, but English-language options are generally not available.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The exterior of the library offers beautiful architectural shots, while the interior has well-lit reading spaces with large windows that provide a serene atmosphere for photos. The surrounding landscape also makes for great photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the main reading halls, then head to the special collections or exhibition rooms. If time allows, enjoy the library’s outdoor spaces or take part in any ongoing cultural activities.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not common, and there are no regular light shows. Special events, such as lectures or cultural exhibitions, are available at different times throughout the year. Check the library’s event schedule for more details.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The library can get busy during weekends and holidays. The best time to visit is during weekdays, particularly in the morning when it is less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include clean toilets, rest areas, and a small cafe. There are also vending machines with water and snacks. There is no large shopping area inside the library, but nearby shopping centers offer more options.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Nanjing Library is accessible for all visitors, including those with disabilities. There are ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to accommodate elderly and disabled guests.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted in the library. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in the cafe and for event tickets, but cash may be needed for smaller purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There is a small cafe inside the library. Nearby, you’ll find various dining options in shopping malls, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Some nearby restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Halal food is available at specialized restaurants in the city, though not in the immediate vicinity of the library.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a variety of hotels in the Jianye District, including budget options and mid-range hotels. For more luxurious accommodations, Nanjing city center offers higher-end hotels within a short drive from the library.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing Museum, and the Confucius Temple. These can be easily combined into a day trip from the library.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops nearby where you can buy postcards, books, and local crafts. Nanjing also has larger shopping areas where you can find more unique souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

You can take a taxi, or use public transportation (metro or bus) to explore other parts of Nanjing. The metro station is nearby, offering convenient access to other attractions like Nanjing's historical sites and parks.