Former National Library of Peiping 北平图书馆旧址Běipíng Túshūguǎn Jiùzhǐ

About Former National Library of Peiping

The library building opened in 1931 for the National Library of Peiping, paid for with returned Boxer Indemnity funds and designed by V. Leth-Moller, with a Chinese palace-style exterior over an interior fitted with the most modern equipment of its day. Marble columns and stone lions brought from the ruined Old Summer Palace stand in its forecourt, and until 1987 it was the main building of the national library, which later used it as its Ancient Books branch.

How to get to Former National Library of Peiping

On Wenjin Street beside the western side of Beihai Park, about 15 minutes' walk from Beihai North or Xisi metro stations; the library has been closed for restoration of the old building since 2 April 2024, so check whether it has reopened.

Nearby

• Beihai Park 北海公园 under 10 km
  A former imperial lake garden crowned by a white Tibetan-style stupa on its island
• Forbidden City 故宫 under 10 km
  Six centuries of imperial power behind vermilion walls in the heart of Beijing
• Prince Gong's Mansion 恭王府 under 10 km
  A Qing courtyard mansion and rock garden, home first to a corrupt minister, then a prince
• Shichahai 什刹海 under 10 km
  Three linked lakes ringed by hutongs and lakeside bars, with open-air skating in winter
• Drum and Bell Towers 钟鼓楼 under 10 km
  Beijing's old timekeeping towers, with drum performances and views over the hutong roofs

Also within 20 km: Church of the Saviour (Beitang) 西什库教堂 (under 10 km), Dagaoxuan Hall 大高玄殿 (under 10 km), Jingshan Park 景山公园 (under 10 km), Pagoda of Monk Wansong 万松老人塔 (under 10 km), Guangji Temple 广济寺 (under 10 km), Guo Moruo Residence 郭沫若故居 (under 10 km).

On the map

Open Former National Library of Peiping on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it and what else is close, and to add it to a trip.

Learn more

• Wikipedia (Chinese)