Trendy bookstores go multi-purpose in Shanghai  

上海“复合型”书店渐兴 颇有引领风潮之势

因电子书盛行和网络折扣书店的冲击，“倒闭潮”侵袭实体书店。炎热夏季，一种融雅致茶座、迷你影院、字画展览等诸多内容于一体的“复合型书店”，在上海颇有引领风潮之势。

Shanghai (CNS) -- As e-books and online bookstores become more popular, traditional bookstores are witnessing a drop in traffic and thinner profits. However, bookstore complexes are emerging that cater to a variety of consumer needs and are recapturing shares in both markets.

Newly emerging in Shanghai are bookstores that shield readers from the hot weather in thier elegant storefront cafes, or in turn lure the thirsty from the street to the literary treasures behind. Others sport attractions like a mini-theater, calligraphy or painting exhibitions, and so on.

The stated-owned bookstore Xinhua opened downtown in Jing'an District about twenty days ago, attracting the usual hoard of many bookworms, many of whom said they haven't bought books live and in person for some time.

The four-floored mega bookstore has a comfortable, relaxed environment designed to keep browsers on site and indulging in their curiosity, which differs from the "don't read before buying" motto of many traditional stores. The added attractions of a movie theater, teahouse, café, pottery section and electronic digital merchandise counters are carefully integrated into each floor plan.

Gu Qinggen, 67, came with his grandson, and admits they have far more fun here than in traditional bookstores, as they can drink tea and appreciate some art work for variety.