A dedicated physical hub for Chinese-language reading and cultural exchanges has officially opened here, marking a milestone in educational and people-to-people cooperation between the two nations.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report, Shouyang Book House, the National Reading Station” was inaugurated during the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), signaling the operational launch of the facility.

The ceremony, held on the sidelines of the fair, also witnessed the signing of an “Overseas Editorial Department for China-Themed Books” agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

The Islamabad reading station is the result of a collaboration between Shaanxi Normal University General Publishing House and the China-Pakistan Educational and Cultural Institute (CPECI) in the capital.

Designed as an inclusive cultural space, the station aims to serve a diverse audience including Pakistani citizens, overseas Chinese residents, Chinese language educators, students and local Mandarin learners.

The establishment of the station addresses a long-standing need for a professional offline reading and resource platform, complementing the growing landscape of Chinese language education across Pakistan.

Beyond its role as a library, the Shouyang Book House plans to roll out a schedule of community-driven events. In partnership with local schools and educational institutions, the center will organize cross-border reading sessions, cultural study tours, regular book fairs and interactive sharing events.

The initiatives aim to foster mutual understanding, promote literary exchange and bring the Chinese and Pakistani people closer together through shared knowledge and storytelling.

The Islamabad launch follows the establishment of a sister “Shouyang Book House” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which has already become a cultural hub hosting calligraphy competitions, essay contests, and traditional performances.

With the addition of the Islamabad center, Shaanxi Normal University General Publishing House now operates three “Overseas Editorial Departments for China-Themed Books” and two “National Reading Stations” globally.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China