With 10 million passengers every day, the Beijing subway system has huge potential as a place for promotion or even a new lifestyle. The "Subway Library," which has just opened on Line 4 of the underground, encourages people to take advantage of their time on the trains to read more books.

With 10 million passengers on board everyday, the Beijing subway system carries huge potential as a place for promotion, or perhaps, even a new lifestyle.

The Subway Library's. QR codes can be seen right above the windows of some subway trains, and some passengers only have to use their cell phones or other mobile gadgets to scan the code, then they can start to read e-books for free.

The first set of ten free e-books are all related to the theme of the Chinese written languages, such as their origin and evolution.

"The cell phone has been such a popular mobile platform, where information is quickly transmitted. We aim at promoting some knowledge through this platform. We hope to popularize some traditional culture in a more enchanting and efficient way," said Li Honglin, Deputy director of Ancient Book Museum of National Library.

The Subway Library will promote both e-reading and traditional culture.

"We'll change the themes every two-three months. If a passenger keeps going along with us, he or she will read over a dozen books a year," said Yang Ling, spokeswoman of Metro Transportation Railway.

Passengers have responded positively to the library.

"Sometimes it's a long journey, meaning a long time taking the subway. So browse a book, even if it's just a paragraph. It's good. Books are not convenient to carry," said a passenger.

"I'm a fan of it. It's good for us guys to learn some traditional culture. I've shared it with my friends on WeChat," said another passenger.

Beijing Railway plans to cooperate with cultural agencies, such as the National Art Museum of China, to share more with the city's subway passengers.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)