Zhejiang Library, Public library in Hangzhou, China

The Zhejiang Library is a public library with four sites in Hangzhou and Huzhou, including the Shuguang Road main building at the northern foot of Baoshi Hill. That building, completed in 1998, covers 34,000 square metres and rises with the slope of Qixia Ridge, its plan shaped like the character pin. The Gushan site holds pre-1949 rare books in the White Building, Red Building and Qingbaishan Residence.

Founded in November 1900 as the Hangzhou Book Collection House by local gentry Shao Zhang and Hu Huan, it became the official Zhejiang Book Collection House in 1903. In 1909 the Qing court merged it with the Zhejiang Official Book Bureau to form the Zhejiang Library, and in 1911 it received the Wenlan Pavilion copy of the Siku Quanshu. The 1912 Gushan building was followed by the University Road building in 1931, with Cai Yuanpei writing the library's name.

The library takes its name from Zhejiang province, of which Hangzhou is the capital. Inside, students, researchers, and older visitors sit side by side in the reading rooms, giving the place the feel of an open, shared space for all ages.

It is worth checking opening hours in advance, as they can vary by area and season. Some services or collections may require prior registration, so it helps to plan ahead before your visit.

Among the less expected items in the collection are ancient stone rubbings, made by pressing paper onto engraved stone surfaces and applying ink. For centuries, this technique was a key way to copy and share inscriptions and artworks before printing became widespread.