Paperback owls

Customers spend an evening reading books at 1200bookshop, the first round-the-clock bookstore in Guangzhou, that opened in July. Photos by Zou Zhongpin/China Daily

A surge in round-the-clock bookstores across China is helping lovers of traditional books read more, without hampering their day jobs.

All-night bookstores across China are now offering people an alternative to either partying or watching TV at home. While the stores allow readers to purchase books at any time, visitors are also encouraged to sit down to read.

In July, owners of some 11 round-the-clock bookstores from all over the country gathered in Beijing announcing their alliance to better serve booklovers and to promote reading, at a time when traditional bookstores are closing due to the rise of e-books and online retailors.

Qi Fei, 30, a Beijing resident who works for an international consultancy, is among those who find the extra hours very useful.

He loves the feel of paper in books, walking around a store, looking through the many sections of books. Earlier, Qi seldom had the luxury to turn a few pages at a bookstore or library because work kept him on his toes for most of the day, even on weekends.

But with the new trend in late night bookstores, he no longer needs to miss out on his passion.

"With the opening of a 24-hour bookstore in Beijing, I can finally enjoy books and reading like I used to," Qi says.

The bookstore Qi likes to visit is Sanlian Taofen Bookstore, an 18-year-old shop near the eastern corner of the National Arts Museum of China in downtown Beijing. Named after famous Chinese scholar Zou Taofen (1895-1944), the store is famous for having many complete collections of books on social sciences.

Earlier this year, the bookstore decided to open 24 hours to meet the needs of booklovers, especially with an eye on the World Reading Day (April 23), according to Zhang Zuozhen, the store's general manager.

"We hope to provide a cozy, friendly and free environment for booklovers, and welcome everyone who wants to read," Zhang says.

During the 10-day trial run, prior to the official kickoff on April 18, the bookstore had an average revenue of around 28,000 yuan ($4,520) per night, and daytime revenues shot up by about 55 percent. Even Premier Li Keqiang sent a message, calling the bookstore a "spiritual landmark" that will empower readers.