Guangzhou Library

A vast modern public library on the cultural axis of Guangzhou's Zhujiang New Town, opened in its current landmark form in 2012. Its architecture takes the shape of two stacked, staggered volumes resembling stone slabs or an open book, clad in ribbons of red sandstone and glass. Inside, terraced reading rooms rise around light-filled atriums, making it one of the largest city libraries in the country. Alongside millions of volumes it holds collections on Cantonese culture. Visitors admire the exterior and use the airy reading spaces.