Update: this bookstore is closed.
Previously known as CNPIEC, the more friendly-named Boocup is located on the quiet fifth floor of the imposing Taifu mall on Nanjing Xi Lu. Despite its narrow aisles and pokey atmosphere, it carries a diverse and up-to-date collection of books, magazines and newspapers.
Boocup is a convenient go-to for a quick grab and popular reads. Best sellers are up front, while rows of ubiquitous self-help, career advice, and get-rich-quick books lurk in the shadows. The serious adult section is fluffed out by a colourful selection of children’s puzzles, origami sets, picture books (all from 75RMB) and Roald Dahl box sets (150RMB).
There are plenty of literary greats, too; Cervantes, Shakespeare, DH Lawrence, Philip Roth and Elizabeth Gilbert (novels from 90-180RMB). Staff are friendly and helpful and you can request book delivery, though the process takes a bewildering one month.
Cathy Song
