FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ferrying Bookstore: An Innovative Community Space Inspired by Nansha's Water Village Culture and Modern Living

The Ferrying Bookstore, conceived by designers Xixi Quan, Kau Chan, and Junming Chen, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Nansha's historical water village culture and contemporary urban life. Located in Huangge Town, within Guangzhou's Nansha Economic Development Zone, this 1,500-square-meter, two-story compound bookstore was completed in April 2023. Drawing inspiration from the region's river-based villages, traditional architecture, and the mythic Qilin, the design creates a welcoming space that fosters belonging, creativity, and community engagement.

The spatial organization of Ferrying Bookstore is modeled after an abstract water town, with a "river" connecting areas for books, products, and salons. Visitors encounter small bridges, village houses, squares, pavilions, ferries, and the iconic Qilin, all interwoven with modern elements such as subway train-inspired children's zones, AR experiences, and contemporary tea offerings. The interplay between ancient motifs and technological features makes the bookstore a vibrant and imaginative destination for reading, learning, socializing, and play.

Constructed as a public welfare project with a modest budget, the bookstore utilizes local materials like cement, terrazzo, clay bricks, and granite, while employing prefabricated steel structures for efficiency and cost savings. The octagonal pavilion, a centerpiece of the salon area, merges traditional mortise and tenon joinery with modern lighting, while the children's area features parametrically designed steel structures that encourage exploration and movement. The bookstore's multifunctional design supports a variety of activities, from literature and art salons to workshops and family gatherings, making it a cherished hub for community life in Nansha.

-END-