Guangdong offers a wide range of public reading resources for international readers. Here's how to use Guangzhou Library's services, along with other places where readers can find books in different languages.
Guangzhou Library and its foreign-language collection
For international residents looking for books in their own language, Guangzhou Library offers one of the largest public collections of foreign-language books in Guangdong.
Located at No. 4 Zhujiang East Road in Tianhe District, the library is open from 9 a.m. daily except Wednesdays, with free entry. Readers can search for books through the library's official WeChat account, public computers in the library or with assistance from the service desk. Most foreign-language books are located in the Multicultural Library on the eighth floor of the north building.
How to get a library card and borrow books
A library card is required to borrow books. International readers can register at the service counter with a valid passport. After registration, users can link their library cards to the WeChat Mini Program and then use a digital QR code to borrow items at self-service machines without carrying a physical card. Adult cardholders may borrow up to 40 items, including no more than six foreign-language books or periodicals.
Foreign-language materials can only be borrowed from and returned to Guangzhou Library. Regular foreign-language books have a 21-day loan period and can be renewed online up to three times. Foreign-language magazines and audiovisual materials can be borrowed for 15 days and renewed once. Renewals are unavailable for overdue items or unpaid overdue fees.
All borrowed items can be returned at any self-service machine inside the library.
More foreign-language reading resources in Guangdong
Readers can also access foreign-language collections at Sun Yat-sen Library of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Library.
Those looking to buy original-language books can visit Guangzhou Book Center and EON Books in Shenzhen.
Reporter: Dai Bosi
Video: Deng Yingheng
Special thanks to Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Guangzhou Library.
