The Beijing Library has made history by becoming the first cultural site in China’s capital to be named among TIME magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2025. This annual list highlights exceptional destinations worldwide that offer creative experiences, selected through strict evaluations by international experts.

The library combines sustainable design with modern technology. Its unique architecture features tree-shaped columns made to resemble gingko (银杏) trees, which help manage lighting, temperature, and sound, adapting to reading demands across time and weather while saving lighting electricity consumption. Solar panels and rainwater collection systems support its Three-Star certification—China’s highest honor for eco-friendly buildings. Technology plays a central role in the visitor experience. Smart systems automatically adjust lighting and temperature, while AI brings ancient Chinese texts to life through 3D displays. The Metaverse Experience Hall uses digital technology to merge virtual and physical reading spaces, allowing readers to explore knowledge and interact with AI-powered digital assistants.

The facility includes a 500-seat concert hall and hosts over 3,000 yearly events ranging from classical music performances to traditional Chinese art workshops. As a cultural hub (中心), the library organizes both physical and virtual events. Over 3,400 activities have been held, including exhibitions on traditional crafts and reading tours exploring China’s Grand Canal history. It also hosts international exchanges like the China-Africa children’s hand-in-hand summer camp and diplomatic anniversaries, showcasing Chinese culture to global audiences. Since opening, the library has welcomed over 4.28 million visitors and won major awards including the 2024 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Public Library of the Year Award and the 2024 DFA Design for Asia Grand Award. The IFLA praised it as “a great example of a library built for the future” due to its innovative services.

By blending cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation, the Beijing Library represents China’s vision for modern public spaces. Its success demonstrates how libraries can evolve into centers for learning, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding. 

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1. 1. Why is the library’s design considered “sustainable”?

A    It looks like a gingko tree on the outside.

B    It uses traditional Chinese architectural styles.

C    It reuses resources and reduces energy consumption.

D    It manages lighting, temperature, and wall color automatically.

2. 2. What technology is used to make ancient Chinese texts appear vivid?

A    The Metaverse Experience Hall’s virtual assistants.

B    Smart systems controlling indoor conditions.

C    AI combined with 3D display technology.

D    Solar panels on the building’s facade.

3. 3. What can be inferred about the library’s events from the text?

A    They focus only on classical music performances.

B    Some aim to promote cultural exchanges globally.

C    They are limited to physical activities.

D    They target mainly adult audiences.

4. 4. What is the author’s attitude towards the Beijing Library?

A    Doubtful.

B    Disapproving.

C    Uncaring.

D    Positive.