With the increasing popularity of handheld reading devices, the number of bookstores has experienced a decline over the past decade in Beijing. That’s why we always find it a delight when we bump into an independent bookstore, and we get especially excited if the collection is bilingual.
Located near the Workers’ Stadium, Cozy Bo2k is a three-floor bookstore which specializes in original English books. It might be a disappointment for those hunting for recent best-sellers, but a great place for parents who are looking for something inspiring and amusing for younger readers.
We wouldn’t call the books on the first floor a huge collection, but big enough that there’s a fair chance parents will find what they’re looking for. There are picture books with stories, comics, drawing books, and even some parenting books. All the books are in English, and also at western prices (ranging from RMB 100 up) since they’re original publications.
The second floor is home to a wall piled with DVDs, and an impressive collection of books with an art focus. Spacious and well-lit, it provides a comfortable reading area with a large rectangular wooden table and a group of chairs. Meanwhile the third floor is mainly filled with Japanese comics and cartoons, and cartoon products including toys, dolls and some game machines.
An added bonus: Sculpturing in Time Café is located right next to the bookstore, providing a place to relax after book hunting.
The bookstore also runs regular kid-friendly events, such as a reading club, and a handicraft-making class. Follow their WeChat account to keep updated with their events schedule.
Cozy Bo2k Bookstore
10am-7pm. No.16 Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体东路16号
Photos: Huang Chenkuang
