A computer-generated rendering of the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, showing its distinctive architecture. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Book City

The Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, a project dubbed the "Eyes of the GBA," is set to become the world's largest physical bookstore when its doors open Sept. 26 in Qianhai, according to Shenzhen Publishing Group on Tuesday.

The next-generation complex boasts a colossal floor space of 131,000 square meters, combining reading spaces with art, technology, exhibitions, performances, and tourism.

Operated by Shenzhen Publishing Group, the project is designed to be a premier cultural landmark for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 

An interior view of the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, highlighting its spacious and multi-functional design.

From an aerial view, the bookstore and an adjacent folk customs museum form two cylindrical structures that resemble jade dishes. They face two square buildings on the opposite end of a coastal green axis: the Bao'an Library and the Bao'an Children's Palace.

The opening will feature several inaugural events, including a Tang Dynasty mural exhibition in partnership with the Shaanxi History Museum, an immersive virtual reality experience based on the science fiction series "The Three-Body Problem," and a technology exhibit showcasing products from companies like Huawei and BYD.

The gift section blends traditional Chinese elements with modern design.

The complex will include several innovative attractions. Themed reading spaces, designed by an international art team, feature panoramic windows and specialized areas including a retro study and children's zone.

It also features a theater space developed with ACOrange Group, an interactive space centered around intellectual property in collaboration with China Literature Limited, and a robot display center.

The Storyland zone inside the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City offers an immersive reading experience.

From its opening through Oct. 8, the venue will host seven major themed events.

On Aug. 26, the "Eyes of the GBA" launched a soft opening, hosting an advance visit for over 100 professional readers and senior members. The event featured a reading session with renowned writer Yang Liguang and was followed by a small music and art salon.