Cliffside bookstore brings reading to karst sinkhole

Ahead of World Book Day 2026, a distinctive cliffside bookstore in Luocheng Mulam autonomous county, Hechi, has emerged as a trending cultural hotspot, merging immersive reading experiences with the grandeur of karst landscapes.

Tourists visit the cliffside bookstore in the scenic area. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Perched on a cliff within the 326-meter-deep Mianhua Tiankeng Scenic Area, the bookstore opened its doors in May 2025.

It offers an extensive collection of over 10,000 books, which are arranged along the cliff face, creating a stunning "canyon of knowledge" for visitors. To reach this unique reading space, travelers must descend more than 1,000 wooden plank steps.

Tourists read quietly in the cliffside bookstore at Luocheng Mianhua Tiankeng Scenic Area. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

On April 11, crowds of tourists flocked to the venue. Some read quietly against the cliff, savoring tranquil moments with books; others browsed shelves or shared reading sessions with family members. The unique location allows visitors to enjoy reading while gazing at natural scenery.

Local authorities have integrated national reading initiatives with tourism development, leveraging the bookstore to craft innovative cultural scenarios. This initiative injects cultural depth into scenic spots and offers a fresh approach to mass reading.

Tourists look for their favorite books in the cliffside bookstore. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

As World Book Day draws near, more visitors arrive here to immerse themselves in reading, embracing the dual charm of literature and nature in this extraordinary setting.