Tianjin Binhai Library, Public library in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, China

Tianjin Binhai Library is a five-level public library in the Binhai New Area of Tianjin, with 33,700 square meters of floor space. Its white interior is lined with stepped, wave-like terraced shelves holding rows of books, rising toward a layered ceiling. A large white sphere overlaps the shelving on one side, and a small doorway sits near the base of the terraced wall.

The library was designed by Rotterdam-based MVRDV with the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute. A tight schedule set by the local government took the project from preliminary drawings to opening in three years, and it opened in October 2017. In August 2018 Time magazine ranked it first among its 100 places to visit; in December 2023 it was rated a national first-class library.

The building's name reflects its location in the harbor district, which has only been heavily developed in recent decades. Visitors use the reading rooms and computer workstations, while local groups book the conference rooms for events.

The lower two floors house reading areas and are the main draw for most visitors. Upper levels contain computer workstations, meeting rooms, and administrative offices, while two rooftop terraces offer additional gathering spots.

The central glass sphere appears from the outside like a giant eye looking through the main facade, drawing passersby. Inside, this space seats 110 people and is regularly used for lectures and other events.