TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Eslite Xinyi bookstore, renowned for its unique combination of diverse books, cultural experiences, and a welcoming atmosphere, is closing on Sunday (Dec. 24) after an 18-year run.
This follows the closure of its pioneering 24/7 Dunnan branch three years prior. Eslite Xinyi, founded by Robert Wu, grew beyond a traditional bookstore, becoming a cultural hub and embodying the joy of reading.
To celebrate its legacy, Eslite Xinyi is holding a farewell event with concerts and an exhibition on December 23 and 24, commemorating the memories created there.
Visitor Lily Chou recalled her time spent with friends and family at the store, emphasizing its distinct collection and ambiance.
Kelvin Tam, another visitor, acknowledged Eslite's cultural importance in the Chinese-speaking world, describing it as a key cultural landmark.
Young visitors Karen and Melody expressed gratitude to Eslite, hoping for its legacy to continue elsewhere. Frequent patron Larry Sun praised the store's vast book selection and the convenience of having books and food in one place.
Despite Eslite Xinyi's closure, the spirit of the 24-hour bookstore lives on, with the Songyan store starting 24-hour operations on January 20. The Songyan store remains a testament to Eslite's dedication to providing a unique literary experience, standing as a globally recognized icon among bookstores.