Beijing Library selected as The World's Greatest Places of 2025

A far view of the Beijing Library at night. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

The Beijing Library was selected for Time magazine's The World's 100 Greatest Places of 2025, which marks the first time a cultural landmark in Beijing has received this prestigious honor.

Each year, Time gathers nominations from journalists and contributors worldwide, evaluating destinations such as hotels, yachts, restaurants, attractions, museums, and parks. Through a rigorous selection process, the magazine identifies 100 destinations that offer novel and exciting experiences.

"A 500-seat concert hall hosts symphonies and academic forums, and more than 3,000 events are held annually, covering everything from calligraphy to poetry," Time wrote in its recommendation, "Awarded Three Star, China's highest-level green building certification label, the modular design and futuristic ginkgo tree columns control the library's interior climate, lighting, and acoustics, as well as collect rainwater for reuse, and solar panels on the glass facades provide renewable energy

Since its opening, the Beijing Library has welcomed over 4.28 million visitors and has won prestigious accolades, 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.

The library integrates cutting-edge technology such as big data, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create new reading experiences. IoT technology monitors real-time indoor conditions, automatically adjusting temperature and lighting for visitors. 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 library also features AI-enhanced restorations of classic Chinese works, such as a naked-eye 3D version of Tian Gong Kai Wu, or "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature", bringing ancient texts to life in an interactive, touchable format.

The library also serves as a cultural hub, hosting events such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition, the Grand Canal Cultural Reading Tour, combining live and remote elements. Since its opening, it has organized over 3,400 online and offline cultural events, offering readers a multifaceted cultural exploration journey.

As the municipality's new cultural landmark, the Beijing Library has also played a role in diplomatic events, hosting activities like the China-Africa children's hand-in-hand summer camp and the China-Norway 70th diplomatic anniversary reception. Through these initiatives, it not only embodies China's people-centered public service philosophy but also showcases a fusion of technology and humanities, positioning itself as a cultural and intellectual gateway for the world to better understand China.