Chongqing Zhongshuge: the Chinese bookshop that looks like a painting by Escher

China continues to amaze with its unique architecture. This time we are impressed by a beautiful and unusual bookshop located in Chongqing, a city in the southwest of the country, located at the confluence of the Blue and Jialing rivers, which is considered the largest metropolis in the world. Here, on the third and fourth floors of the Zodi Plaza, the X+Living studio has built a unique space that seems to have come out of the creative genius of MC Escher. The team of architects recreated the same impossible perspectives, made up of stairs, shelves and mirrors that give the optical illusion of an infinite labyrinth. A series of mirrors positioned ad hoc and an entrance hall designed as a single double-height environment guarantee, in fact, the hypnotizing and surreal multiplication of a multitude of stairs and shelves, all made in warm tones of wood, where the only stains of color are given by the thousands of books on display. Beyond these elements, all the other furnishing accessories are made of transparent glass. Another peculiarity of this bookstore are the "lampshade shaped shelves" that are scattered throughout the lobby. These are cabins where visitors can gather with friends to enjoy reading and enjoying their free time. In a corner of the lobby is a children's reading room full of colourful shelves depicting landscapes, buildings and transport in Chongqing. The Chongqing Zhongshuge welcomes visitors with an atmosphere reminiscent of the set of a science fiction film in which a tunnel of books seem to lead to knowledge, including fantasy stories, mathematical theorems, philosophical treatises and all the knowledge enclosed within the walls of this extraordinary building.