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Zhao describes hutong culture ahuts "both delicate and resilient". Here, the walls hold layers of old Beijing's history, and the residents preserve a warmth of human connection that high-rise buildings can never replace — a spirit that permeates his bookstore.

Zhao designed interactive areas where visitors can share their thoughts on books and poetry, and also leave their own verses and reflections in notebooks as traces of themselves.

"It helps people form new social bonds through literature," Zhao said.

Beyond the shop itself, Zhao organizes city walks that follow literary threads, guiding visitors through the surrounding hutong and cultural landmarks. One popular series, inspired by renowned writer Lao She (1899-1966), traces locations from his works and links them to nearby teahouses and historic sites, creating a living map where literature, history, and everyday life meet.

"We even set aside a spot for a retired auntie who lives in the hutong to run a dumpling stall," Zhao said with a smile. "It's not just about food — the stall brings warmth and character to the bookstore."

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