# Mirrored Library Tunnels This Chinese Bookstore Was Designed with a Focus on Symmetry By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-bookstore References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/07/09/yangzhou-zhongshuge-bookshop-yangzhou-china-xl-muse-li-xiang-tunnel-books/) & [xl-muse](http://www.xl-muse.com/list/?6.html) It is difficult to tell where the novels end and the reflective surfaces begin in this Chinese bookstore. The store was designed by the Shanghai studio 'XL-Muse' in Zhen Yuan. The 'Yangzhou Zhongshuge' Chinese bookstore is extremely symmetric and this effect was achieved with the inclusion of [mirrored surfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zigzag-collection) throughout the space. Part of the bookstore is [shaped as a tunnel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-xk) and has shelves that reach the ceilings -- which are mirrored in the reflective floor. The result is an unusual optical illusion that makes the process of shopping for books at this store an experience rather than a chore. The design of this Chinese bookstore was inspired by its surrounding waterside location and arched bridges. As technology continues to dominate in most aspects of life, this beautiful bookstore provides a greater incentive for people to read paper books. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Symmetric Design:** Opportunities for using symmetric design to create immersive and visually stunning retail experiences. - **Mirror Surfaces:** Innovation opportunities for incorporating mirror surfaces in retail spaces to create visually stunning optical illusions. - **Bookstore Experience:** Trends in creating unique and immersive experiences in bookstores to encourage reading in a technology-dominant society. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Opportunities for creating immersive and visually stunning retail experiences using symmetric design and mirror surfaces. - **Interior Design:** Developing innovative ways of incorporating mirror surfaces to create visually stunning and immersive experiences in indoor spaces. - **Publishing:** Incorporating unique and immersive experiences in bookstores to encourage reading and promote paper-book sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Floating Wetland Bookstore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xixi-goldmye-bookstore.md) - [Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanghai-book-city.md) - [Historic Academy Spatial Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weishan-chongzheng-academy-bookstore.md) - [Glass-Lined Towering Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beijing-city-library.md) - [Tea-Honoring Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-xi-2.md) - [Mushroom-Shaped Village Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-library.md) - [Shanghai Scented Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scented-bookstore.md) - [Perforated Shadow-Casting Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mariams-library.md) - [Children's Story-Inspired Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-academy.md)