Wonderland

01 : 06 : 2016 Bookstores : XL-Muse : Interiors

Hangzhou, China – A new bookstore uses mirrors to create a whimsical space for shopping and reading.

  • The store is located in the Star Avenue shopping complex in the city’s Binjiang district
  • The space comprises two distinct sections – a light, mirrored space and a dark space for reading
Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China
Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China
Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China
Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China
Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China Zhongshuge-Hangzhou bookshop by XL-Muse, China

The enormous bookstore was designed by architects XL-Muse. Like many famous novels, it uses mirrors as a metaphor for another reality – one that can only be accessed through the power of reading.

A large, open doorway harnesses natural light and the bookstore interior is punctuated with mirrors and long reading benches to give the impression of being inside a forest.

The labyrinthian space houses a sanctuary at its centre that features floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with books, ornate reading lights and bleacher-style seating to enable readers to lose themselves in both their surroundings and their book.

The Big Picture

Innovative bricks-and-mortar retailers are competing against their online rivals by building a strong sense of destination and experience into their greatest asset – physical space. For more retail interiors inspiration check out our Retail Futures 2016 report here.

Discover More Daily Signals
The Trend:  Masculinity Reset Retreats

Daily Signals

The Trend: Masculinity Reset Retreats

Men’s mental wellbeing retreats are reshaping modern masculinity, focusing on mindfulness, movement and meaningful male friendships.
Travel : Health And Wellness : Hospitality
The Big Idea: Brand Innovation Debrief: Aman

Daily Signals

The Big Idea: Brand Innovation Debrief: Aman

Aman epitomises ultra-luxury hospitality, blending serene design, bespoke service and rare experiences for a devoted high-net-worth clientele.
Travel : Hospitality : Hotel
The Campaign: Unplugged and Munya Chawawa turn to humour to tackle Britain’s screen addiction

Daily Signals

The Campaign: Unplugged and Munya Chawawa turn to humour to tackle Britain’s screen addiction

Unplugged, the digital detox brand behind off-grid cabins that lock away phones and reconnect guests with nature, has teamed up with comedian Munya...
Travel : Cannes Lions 2025: The Unhinged Humour Opportunity : Digital Detox
The Viewpoint: The New Youth Club

Daily Signals

The Viewpoint: The New Youth Club

Opened in April 2025, Moot is a membership-based youth space in northwest London redefining the concept of youth clubs for a generation seeking rea...
Travel : Hospitality : Youth
The Space: Mad Swans ushers in a new era for golf and hospitality in the UK

Daily Signals

The Space: Mad Swans ushers in a new era for golf and hospitality in the UK

Mad Swans is an innovative countryside destination by Longshot on the Mendip Hills in southwest England that opened in October 2025 to offer a fres...
Travel : Sports : Health And Wellness
The Trend:  Romantic Anarchy

Daily Signals

The Trend:  Romantic Anarchy

Younger generations are rewriting the rules of romance – approaching love with equal parts idealism and irreverence.
Pop Culture : Media : Romance
The Big Idea: Branding in the Age of Elasticity

Daily Signals

The Big Idea: Branding in the Age of Elasticity

As the Western world enters a time of cultural volatility and political division, brands face a choice: retreat, react or re-root.  
Pop Culture : Media : Branding
The Viewpoint: Trad Love and a 19th century foresight framework for romance

Daily Signals

The Viewpoint: Trad Love and a 19th century foresight framework for romance

Pop Culture : Media : Dating
The Space: Why Netflix’s restaurant residency in Las Vegas speaks to fandoms

Daily Signals

The Space: Why Netflix’s restaurant residency in Las Vegas speaks to fandoms

Netflix expanding its entertainment empire into immersive dining in late 2025 with Netflix Bites Vegas, a year-long residency at MGM Grand in Las V...
Pop Culture : Media : Netflix
The Campaign: Instagram champions creative risk-taking with star-studded global campaign

Daily Signals

The Campaign: Instagram champions creative risk-taking with star-studded global campaign

As Instagram approached its 15th anniversary, the platform has launched a new campaign spotlighting creativity on social media.
Pop Culture : Media : Entertainment
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN