The "Old Book Market" by the Suzhou River has opened, and the rainy weather does not stop the enthusiasm of Shanghai people to search for books
From the Tiantong Road Station on subway lines 10 and 12, follow the Suzhou River bank, cross the Sichuan Road Bridge, and walk a short distance forward. The sign of Taoshule Sakura Valley Old Book Market appears in front of you. Two entrances, one exit, and two check-in points are clearly marked. Despite continuous rain and gloom, on the first day of its opening on September 22nd, the Old Book Market saw a constant flow of people. Some young white-collar workers working in the surrounding area came to search for books during their lunch break, while some old book enthusiasts came from all directions upon hearing the news.
Follow the signs towards the Old Book Market by the Suzhou River, photographed by Shi Chenlu
Follow the signs towards the Old Book Market by the Suzhou River, photographed by Shi Chenlu
A on-site check-in point shot by Shi Chenlu, based on the old shadows of Zhejiang Road and Bridge
"Whether by bus or subway, public transportation is very convenient, it really gives us book lovers a good place!" After circling around the "Old Book Market", the post-70s Shanghai style cultural writer Li Xiaodong collected two old books on party history, "treasures that I haven't seen elsewhere.". "After the closure of the Wenmiao Old Book Market, there are fewer places in the city where old books can be found. The outdoor old book market has a good form, which can attract tourists to Shanghai and facilitate citizens' travel. We hope that in the future, a fixed tradition can be formed on weekends or national holidays, so that everyone can know that you can go to the Suzhou River to search for various and high-quality old books, making the Suzhou River landscape more down-to-earth." Li Xiaodong looked forward to it.
Citizens searching for books at the "Old Book Market" photographed by Shi Chenlu
Citizens searching for books at the "Old Book Market" photographed by Shi Chenlu
"I used to work as an art editor in Yunnan's" Agriculture "magazine. After retiring, I helped take care of my grandson in Shanghai. I enjoy reading books and my two grandsons also enjoy reading and imitating the illustrations in books." At the long table in the comic book collection, 76 year old Duan Jiuming stopped for a long time. He, who lives in Xujiahui, read the news in the newspaper and came specifically to the "Old Book Market". "The cultural atmosphere in Shanghai is good, and I also like to go to the University Road, which has several bookstores." After selecting some books, Duan Jiuming took a "Pocket Library of Chinese Classical Literature - Thirty Six Strategies and Romance" to settle the bill, with a price of 10. "This little book from Yuan is discounted by 30%. Hand over a 5-yuan banknote, and the staff skillfully handed two 1-yuan coins and a book to Duan Jiuming.
Considering that many old readers love to browse the old book market, the staff of Shanghai Book Company, the organizer of the market, had already prepared. In front of the cash register, three small cardboard boxes were filled with coins of different denominations. "On weekdays and rainy days, the business situation exceeded our expectations."
76 year old reader Duan Jiuming found a beloved book, photographed by Shi Chenlu
Prepare enough coins at the cashier and give change to old readers who are accustomed to using cash. Photographed by Shi Chenlu
During the Shanghai Book Fair in August this year, Shanghai Book Co., Ltd. created a "Taoshu Le" special area in the Century National Studies Museum for the second consecutive year. The scene was extremely popular, and "Taoshu Le" became a memorable brand among book enthusiasts. Carrying a "Taoshu Le" canvas bag on your back is like a secret code for a book lover.
The staff bagged readers who had bought over 20 books and took a photo with Shi Chenlu
"In front of the booth, people crowded their heads and had to hold a book in their hands when reading it, because once it was put down, it would quickly be chosen by other readers." Shi Hongying, the general manager of Shanghai Book Company, lamented that the encounter between old books and readers may be even more "rare". At the same time, through the circulation of different book collectors, an old book contains the accumulation of emotions and memories. Finding a new "owner" is like reinvigorating a new life.
At this old book market, not only books are sold, but also book collection services are provided. There are relevant prompts and contact information on the exhibition booth. The Shanghai Book Company, which owns a second-hand bookstore in Shanghai, has also specially produced a poster titled "Is your study metabolizing?" Readers can scan the code to make an appointment for book collection services.
The market not only sells books but also receives them. Photo by Shi Chenlu
The market not only sells books but also receives them. Photo by Shi Chenlu
Before 2 pm, the old book market restocked for the first time, ensuring that there were sufficient varieties for readers to choose from at the booth. During the "business" period of the market from September 22nd to 27th, there are over 15000 antique books and magazines such as "treasure books, rare books, broken editions, and signed books", as well as over 5000 special price books, as well as over 1000 Hong Kong and Taiwan versions and original imported old books and special price books provided by Shanghai Hong Kong Sanlian Bookstore and Shanghai Foreign Language Book Company, waiting for readers to "Taobao". Among them, the vast majority of over 15000 ancient books and magazines are single items, ranging from a 5-yuan comic strip to a 9000 yuan "Record of the Attendant of Xin Mao". There are also some rare versions published in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as signed books such as "Autumn Begonia" with the signature of Qin Shouou and "Research on Lu Xun's Later Thought" with the signature of Ni Moyan.
The staff replenished the market with morning dew and took photos
The staff replenished the market with morning dew and took photos
The staff put plastic covers on these rare yellowed old school bags, which are often out of print or out of print, to maintain their appearance as much as possible. Mr. Zhao, who bought six old books with plastic covers, including "History of World Culture", at a cost of over 600 yuan, told reporters that he was a chef working nearby. "I bought books because I liked them." Programmer Xiao Sun, who also works nearby, found three books. A thick "Talmud" even made a staff member on site envious. "There is only one left, and searching for old books is about fate." Ms. Wang, who was searching for books for her child, chose three children's books and paid 16 yuan. "I didn't expect it to be so cheap. I hope there are more varieties of children's books."
Some rare varieties are wrapped in plastic covers to maintain the appearance of the book. Photographed by Shi Chenlu
The reader who bought multiple books in one go is a chef named Shi Chenlu who works nearby
After finishing the book search, citizens can also enter the Suzhou River Sakura Valley Station to watch exhibitions and listen to lectures. On the windowsill facing the Suzhou River, 30 old Kodak Magazine magazines, which were published from March 1935 to August 1937, were arranged in a row. Kodak Magazine was founded in the Lanxin Building on Yuanmingyuan Road, not far from the market. On the afternoon of the first day of the market, Xu Jianing, a historical imaging expert and photography historian, shared with readers the works of Sha Fei, a pioneer in the history of Chinese people's revolution photography, with the theme of "Sha Fei's First Camera". On September 23rd and 25th, two themed "Taoshu Le" events will also be held in this small space. Guests Gong Xinhan, Zhu Dajian, Cao Wenwen, and Chen Zishan will share the fun of Taoshu with readers at a salon like distance.
Lectures and exhibitions are held inside the post station, photographed by Shi Chenlu
Lectures and exhibitions are held inside the post station, photographed by Shi Chenlu
Lectures and exhibitions are held inside the post station, photographed by Shi Chenlu
In front of the clock in device based on the old silhouette of "Zhejiang Road and Bridge" in the "Picture Daily", many readers have left memories of "Taoshu Le" in the rain. "In the morning, a group of uncles and aunts wearing qipaos, hats, and carrying suitcases came to check in and stroll around the market. Books and people have become a scenery by the Suzhou River. This scene made the on-site staff talk about it with great enthusiasm." Because of the connection between books, everyone is very happy, which may be a taste of going to the sea. Some readers also said that the environment and location are good, and by the mother river in Shanghai, it reminds people of the Seine River in Paris. They hope that the old book market will become better and better, which is the greatest encouragement for us. "
People and books are both scenery
People and books are both scenery
Schematic diagram of the market venue
