Bookworm

Beijing


Any author of note passing through Beijing will give a talk at the Bookworm, a beacon in the city's international literary scene since 2005. You can thumb through some 10,000 books (including a comprehensive China section) over coffee and cake, while most evenings have events, from poetry readings to comedy improv shows.

Check the website to see what's on. The annual Bookworm Literary Festival, usually taking place over two weeks in March, has evolved into a bilingual book festival inviting writers and thinkers from China and abroad, for book talks, panel discussions, writing workshops and screenings.

Food is reasonably priced (mains from ¥60), if uninspired, but there's a decent wine list and a spacious roof terrace.