Main Library North Area, National Library of China, Research library in Zizhuyuan Subdistrict, Beijing, China

The Main Library North Area spans multiple levels with reading rooms and exhibition spaces set within contemporary architecture. The layout allows visitors to move easily between study areas and display galleries throughout the building.

A German architecture firm designed this addition to the National Library of China, opening in 2008 as part of an expansion. The project was undertaken to accommodate growing collections and provide larger access spaces for the public.

The North Area's central feature is the glass-walled, temperature- and humidity-controlled room on the basement level of the atrium holding the Siku Quanshu, the Qing-dynasty imperial library compilation and one of the library's four special collections. Visitors view the volumes through glass. The building opened on 9 September 2008 and was named one of Beijing's Ten Contemporary Buildings in 2009.

The location sits near public transportation and is open to visitors from Tuesday through Sunday. It helps to check ahead about access requirements, as some areas may require advance arrangements for your visit.

The building uses specialized systems to protect rare manuscripts and historical documents while making millions of items available to the public. This balance between safeguarding treasures and opening them to visitors is a notable achievement for such vast and valuable collections.