There’s nothing quite like wandering around a bookstore and taking in the look, the feel, and the smell of brand new or preloved books. These stories transport us to new worlds and allow us to embark on new adventures, and while some libraries and bookstores put all of their attention into the titles that lay on their shelves, this bookstore in Beijing decided to make the whole buying process as magical as possible.

The Bookstore In Question

So, where can you find this amazing bookstore? Zhongshuge is located in the Galeries Lafayette department store at Zidan Plaza, and while there’s no doubt about the fact that there are oodles of amazing titles on offer here, it’s the experience of buying a book that really transports customers to new realms and new opportunities. The creators of this store were inspired by traditional Chinese gardens that focus on tranquility, beautiful architecture, and impressive labyrinths. It’s fair to say that they succeeded.

Different Rooms, Different Inspirations

Although this whole store was inspired by these Chinese gardens, each room within this store also comes with its own backstory and its own inspiration. For example, the cafe was inspired by a stunning painting called ‘Qu Shui Liu Shang,’ and the children’s area was inspired by the beauty of the natural world. These rooms all come with their own little quirks and decorative styles – and they really do have to be seen to be believed.

The Impressive Archway

Perhaps the most magical aspect of this bookstore is the impressive archway that connects the rooms together. What’s so amazing about this magical door is what lies beyond. While there are rows upon rows of books to marvel at, the designers of this bookstore wanted to create their very own indoor forest. That’s exactly what visitors can now see as they make their way through this stunning store.

So, would you visit this bookstore?

Making rookie mistakes while packing your backpacks before a first-time hiking trip, is completely natural. For novice hikers, often the trip can be ruined only for your backpack burden, which will inevitably weigh you down and slow your normal speed on the trail. Backpacking is not about replicating your home comfort on road but carrying essentials for the trail mostly. But that doesn’t mean you have to cut all your comfort while on road. Just go for the lightweight and portable alternatives along with a few never-to-forget essentials. Here are a few tips to help you out to cut your pack weight, not your comfort.

• Opt for Multipurpose Gears

This includes clothing also. While a cooking pot can be used as a bowl, a bandana can be used as a sun-protection, a dish cleaner, a coffee filter, a potholder, etc. Also re-wear your clothes to save backpack space. If you get bored, do some impromptu mix n match or layering from within your stock. Look for professional multipurpose trekking gears, if you need them.

• Hydration Is a Must

A single-liter water bottle can add a significant amount of 2.2 pounds to your pack weight. So, ditch multiple water bottles and carry a filtration solution instead. Plan out water stops along your trail, refill your bottle, and keep filtering your water periodically as you hike. Collapsible water bottles are handy here to save extra space and weight.

• Keep it Organized

The first and foremost thing is to weigh everything you are carrying, including your water and food. The beginner backpackers should not carry more than 20% of their full-body weights on their backs while walking. It’s better to create a spreadsheet to log down everything. You can use the spreadsheet for your next trip too. If this sounds tedious, simply weigh your backpack after packing using a luggage scale and reorganize accordingly.