Chongqing’s Literary Culture: Famous Writers and Bookish Spots

Chongqing, a city of misty mountains and winding rivers, is not just a hub for spicy hotpot and dramatic landscapes—it’s also a cradle of literary brilliance. From revolutionary poets to contemporary novelists, the city has nurtured voices that echo far beyond its steep streets. For book lovers and travelers alike, exploring Chongqing’s literary culture offers a unique way to experience its soul. Here’s a deep dive into the writers who shaped its narrative and the bookish spots where their legacies live on.

The Literary Giants of Chongqing

Ba Jin: The Conscience of Modern Chinese Literature

One of China’s most revered 20th-century writers, Ba Jin (巴金), spent his formative years in Chongqing. His autobiographical novel Family (《家》), part of the Torrent Trilogy, exposes the suffocating traditions of feudal society. Though he wasn’t born in Chongqing, the city’s wartime atmosphere during the 1940s deeply influenced his work. Visitors can trace his footsteps at the Ba Jin Former Residence in Shapingba District, a quiet museum showcasing his manuscripts and personal artifacts.

Guo Moruo: The Revolutionary Polymath

A poet, historian, and archaeologist, Guo Moruo (郭沫若) was another literary titan linked to Chongqing. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he penned stirring patriotic works while living in the city. His former residence, Guo Moruo’s Old Home on Hongyadong’s outskirts, is now a modest museum with exhibits on his eclectic career—worth a stop for history buffs.

Contemporary Voices: San Mao and Beyond

Chongqing’s literary scene didn’t fade with the classics. The wanderlust-filled essays of San Mao (三毛), though not a native, found devoted readers here. Today, local authors like Chen Qiufan (陈楸帆), a sci-fi star, carry the torch. Bookstores like Echo Bay often host readings featuring such modern storytellers.

Must-Visit Bookish Spots in Chongqing

Fangsuo Commune: The Hipster Haven

Nestled in the bustling Jiefangbei area, this bookstore is a design lover’s dream. With its minimalist wooden shelves and a café serving artisanal coffee, Fangsuo channels Chongqing’s creative energy. The curated selection includes translated works of local authors—perfect for a souvenir.

Zhongshuge Bookstore: A Surreal Escape

Located in Yangjiaping, this chain bookstore stuns with its mirrored ceilings and labyrinthine staircases, creating an illusion of infinite books. The English section is slim, but the architecture alone justifies the visit. Pro tip: The poetry nook, with collections by Chongqing-linked poets, is a hidden gem.

Liberation Monument’s Book Markets

Near the iconic monument, weekend book stalls offer everything from dog-eared classics to revolutionary memoirs. Haggle for a vintage Mao-era pamphlet or a contemporary bestseller—it’s a tactile way to touch the city’s literary layers.

Shancheng Alley: Where Literature Meets Nostalgia

This restored hutong-style lane in Yuzhong District blends old Chongqing charm with bookish cafes. Pop into Mu’s Books, a tiny shop specializing in rare regional literature, or sip tea at a courtyard café where poets once debated.

Literary-Themed Tours & Events

The Chongqing Writers’ Trail

DIY enthusiasts can map a route from Ba Jin’s residence to Guo Moruo’s home, ending at the Chongqing Library (a Brutalist masterpiece with a dedicated local authors’ section). Along the way, plaques on historic buildings reveal wartime literary salons.

Hotpot & Haiku Nights

Some avant-garde cafes, like Nutshell, host monthly “Hotpot Poetry Slams”—where spicy bites fuel fiery verses. It’s kitschy but fun, and a chance to hear Chongqing’s dialect in lyrical form.

Bookish Day Trips: Ciqikou’s Hidden Libraries

The touristy ancient town of Ciqikou has a secret: tucked behind souvenir shops are family-run libraries preserving folk tales. Ask for lao ban (老板) at Teahouse Books; the owner might recite Ming-era verses over chrysanthemum tea.

Why Chongqing’s Literary Scene Matters Now

In a city racing toward futurism—with its neon-lit skyscrapers and viral TikTok spots—these literary landmarks are quiet acts of resistance. They remind us that Chongqing’s spirit isn’t just in its landscapes or food, but in the words that documented its struggles and dreams. For travelers, skipping these spots means missing the city’s heartbeat.

So, grab a book, wander the alleys, and let Chongqing’s stories seep in—one page, one staircase, one sip of tea at a time.