Taiwan's Largest Retail Bookstore - Eslite Bookstore Is Coming To Malaysia In 2021

Book lovers, this one's for you! Eslite Bookstore was established back in 1989 and is one of the largest and most-loved bookstore chains in Taiwan, with a total of 48 outlets dotted across Taiwan, including a 24-hour branch for those who just want to read through the night.

The bookstore is well-known for housing high-quality books of a wide-range of genres in multiple languages (mostly English and Chinese - many which are imported from the United States and Europe) and having a tranquil vibe that book lovers will definitely appreciate.

The current stores across the globe also offer a variety of award-winning children's books as well as sections for knick-knacks like lovely little gifts, crafts, stationary, and more. Most of the stores also have cafes where you can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or tea!

Back in December 2019, Eslite's chairwoman Mercy Wu announced in a news conference that the corporation is eyeing expansion into Southeast Asia as the company celebrates their 30 years since establishment.

Although the exact location of the store's opening in Malaysia has yet to be revealed, it is rumoured to debut in KL City Centre with a scheduled launch date in 2021 (though this date may potentially be delayed due to the pandemic). If this does happen, the Malaysia Eslite Bookstore will be the first in Southeast Asia - how exciting does that sound?

Despite the growing popularity of digital books, the atmosphere of being surrounded by rows and rows of bookshelves is still a magical feeling for most book lovers. We've rounded up a few bucket list worthy bookstores and libraries across the globe worth hopping on the plane for. The next time you travel, be sure to keep these gems in mind!

This Romanian bookstore located in the old town of Bucharest was built back in the 1860s and holds over 10,000 square feet of library area as well as a lovely bistro. The elegant architecture in this space puts its name up as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

Can you imagine a bookstore with gondolas and bathtubs as shelves? Libreria Acqua Alta is one such bookstore. As a response to Venice's constant flooding, the owners of this bookstore decided to pile their books in waterproof bins, a full-sized gondola, and bathtubs so they don't get destroyed when the place gets flooded. The store is also home to adorable stray cats that will gladly accompany you on your book adventures.

BooksActually is a small vintage independent bookstore located in Tiong Bahru, Singapore. The space offers a warm, relaxing atmosphere and is home to the largest collection of English literature books as well as local novels written by Singaporean authors. While you're in the area, don't forget to pop by Tiong Bahru Bakery for their coffee, bread, and pastries!

The Last Bookstore is home to a labyrinthine collection of books and records. The store promises a delightful visit and you'll be greeted by books suspended in flight, hanging from the ceiling, erupting from a bookcase, tunnels built from books, and more surprises.

Why spend a few hours in a bookstore when you can spend a night there? Sleep inside a bookshelf at Book And Bed, a bookstore slash hostel located in Kyoto. This "accommodation bookshop" is a book lover's dream-come-true.

Daunt Books is arguably one of the most beautiful bookstores in London. The shelves here are organized not by genres but by country of publication - providing a unique browsing experience that will make you feel like you're travelling across the globe.

Starfield Library is a public space located in Coex Mall, Seoul. The library offers a wide selection of books, magazines, and e-books in various genres and often hosts events such as book talks, poetry reading, book concerts, and more.

This library in Stuttgart, Germany took 80-million Euros to build and was designed by a Korean architect! The library is a gleaming cubic design that spans nine levels, and lights up with hues of iridescent blue at night.