Living abroad in China can be challenging when it comes to finding printed English books. Fortunately, Beijing offers several shops and online options to help you get your reading fix.
Here’s a list of places where you can find English language books, both online and offline, including locations I’ve personally visited and others recommended by active Beijing WeChat groups. Whether you’re looking for popular titles or hard-to-find books, these options will help you discover the best spots for English books in the city.
Page One
Page One is an international bookstore chain offering a wide range of English books, from fiction and non-fiction to bestsellers and classics. It’s one of the most reliable places in Beijing to find a diverse selection of English language books. With multiple locations around the city, it’s convenient for both locals and expats.
Page One Locations in Beijing:
- Sanlitun: Taikooli North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (朝阳区三里屯路11号太古里北区)
- Wudaokou: B1-23, Wudaokou Shopping Center, 28 Chengfu Lu, Haidian District (海淀区成府路28号五道口购物中心地下一层B1-23)
- Wangfujing: 7th Floor, Wangfujing Bookstore, 218 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District (东城区王府井大街218号王府井书店七层)
- Qianmen: 77 Meishuguan Houjie, Dongcheng District (东城区美术馆后街77号)
- Even more locations than these – just search PAGEONE on your maps app to see other nearby ones.
Each location offers a wide selection of books in various genres, making it a must-visit for book lovers in Beijing.
I recently revisited Page One in Taikooli, Sanlitun, and was pleasantly surprised by the number of English books available! Compared to my visits in past years, the selection has grown significantly. At the Sanlitun location, it wasn’t just classics; they also had new series and popular titles like Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin and A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. You’ll find a wide range of fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction books, including popular titles like A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon, Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney, and City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. They also stock works by Ken Follett, Frank Herbert’s Dune, and other bestselling authors.
If you’re interested in broader subjects such as art, design, or nutrition, you’ll find books across these categories as well, though availability may vary.
Roundabout Charity Store
Roundabout Charity Store is a non-profit organization and social enterprise that supports local charities through the sale of donated items, including a wide range of books in English and other languages. It’s a popular spot for expats in Beijing to donate or purchase affordable second-hand books. The store offers a constantly changing selection of titles, making it a great place to find budget-friendly reads.
- Website: www.roundaboutchina.com
- Location: Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Shunyi District (顺义区香江北路2号)
- All proceeds from book sales go towards supporting Roundabout’s charitable causes, making it not only a great place to shop but also to give back.
Foreign Languages Bookstore in Wangfujing
The Foreign Languages Bookstore located at 235 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District (东城区王府井大街235号), is one of Beijing’s most iconic destinations for international readers. Known for its extensive collection of foreign-language books, particularly in English, it has long been a go-to spot for both locals and expats seeking titles in literature, history, business, and more. The bookstore features several floors of books across a wide variety of genres, from classics to contemporary works, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their library in Beijing.
Note: The Foreign Languages Bookstore bookstore is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen at the end of 2025.
You may also come across blogs that mention The Bookworm, a beloved literary hub in Beijing. Unfortunately, The Bookworm closed its doors in 2019.
Online Options for English Books:
If you prefer shopping online, several websites offer English books delivered within China:
- Dangdang.com
- JD.com
- Taobao.com
- BookDepository.com (international delivery)
Whether you prefer browsing in-store or ordering online, Beijing has a growing range of options for English-language readers. So if you’re on the hunt for your next read, these recommendations are a great place to start!
