[Photo/Xinhua]

Tycoons of the global bookstore industry, authors and scholars, as well as artists gathered in Chengdu on May 6 for the 2016 International Bookstore Forum. Those attending the event at Fang Suo Commune shared their views on the design of public spaces in cities and the current operation modes and future trends of physical bookstores. Traditional brick and mortar stores are confronted with ever-increasing challenges from booming online booksellers.

Also invited to the 3-day forum were representatives from the world’s most prestigious and beautiful bookstores, including Shakespeare and Company from France, Waterstones, the UK’s largest bookseller and Boekhandel Dominicanen, the "paradise bookstore" from Holland.