Page 17 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (98)

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CITY LIFE | 城事

Savoring serenity in the depths of an alleyway

小巷深处的静谧时光

A “public study” and a
“city parlor” combined

是“市民书房”，也是“城市客厅”

In Mengzi City, located in to postcards depicting the pic-
southeast Yunnan Province, the turesque cityscape and local
Southwest Associated Universi- delicacies, these items capture
ty Librairie Avant-Garde stands the unique charm and regional
as a unique public reading temperament of Mengzi, mak-
space that seamlessly blends ing them perfect mementos for
history with modernity. Since its tourists to take home.
inauguration in March 2023, the To d a y, t he L i b ra i ri e
bookstore has actively organized Avant-Garde has become a
over 20 poetry sharing sessions, beloved spot for locals to visit
themed salons, cultural bazaars, on weekends and evenings. In At Elephant Books, a bookstore in Kun- reading or engaging in hushed discussions to
and exhibitions, offering readers many ways, it has transformed ming, you can see a wall adorned with a par- exchange ideas, and others sipping coffee and
a diverse range of enriching cul- into a combination of a “public agraph by Chinese poet Yu Jian. It beautifully losing themselves in the momentary tranquility
tural experiences. study” and a “city parlor.” Ac- encapsulates the essence of the Wenlin Street that permeates the air.
Also available here are var- cording to Hu Chunfen, head neighborhood in the 1940s, where, as Yu Jian “The elephant at the entrance, dozing off
ious themed cultural and crea- of the Intelligence and Tourism puts it, one had the opportunity to encounter with a book in its arms, exudes a carefree de-
tive products. From souvenirs Section at the Mengzi Culture some of China’s most brilliant intellectuals. meanor and appears content, as if it were the
showcasing the essence of the and Tourism Bureau, the book- Elephant Books is a real treasure trove embodiment of this bookstore’s spirit. This
Southw e s t store receives a daily footfall of tucked away within Wenhua Alley on Kun- bookstore offers a remarkable selection of for-
Associated 6,000 to 7,000 visitors since its ming’s Wenlin Street. Passing through an eign language books and vintage magazines,
University opening. It has emerged as one inconspicuous iron door and descending the making it truly an intriguing destination,”
of the most sought-after desti- steps, one’s gaze is drawn to the word “Ele- exclaimed Ms. Cao, who traveled all the way
nations in Mengzi, providing a phant” adorning the corner. Inside this sanctu- from Chengdu, Sichuan Province to Kunming.
wonderful cultural experience ary of knowledge, there are tourists with young
that allows the spirit of the children eagerly immersing themselves in the
Southwest Associated Universi- magic of books, citizens quietly engrossed in
ty, which is an essential cultural
heritage of Mengzi, to be seen,
understood, and shared.