Bookstore with layers

Fangsuo Commune, Guangzhou's new cultural landmark, will mark its first anniversary this weekend. It is a bookstore where visitors are able to browse thought-provoking exhibitions and share ideas with writers, artists and scholars. Over the weekend, the bookstore is hosting three lectures and one exhibition, all with the theme of "city and culture". On Nov 24, Chen Danqing, artist, writer and cultural critic known for sharp insights about education, will discuss the relationship between literature and reading. On Nov 25, the founders of Fangsuo Commune will tell stories behind the establishment of the bookstore. On Nov 26, artists from Hong Kong and the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts will elaborate the concept of their joint exhibition, titled 15+1. These artists have placed installation art in 15 old shops across the city to stimulate people's memories and arouse their awareness of protecting old brands. The "1" refers to the exhibition with heating kettles as the main subject to convey the idea that people's connections with the city are warm.

Lectures: 7:30 pm, Nov 24 and 26; 3 pm, Nov 25. Exhibition: Nov 25-Dec 20. Fangsuo Commune, TaiKoo Hui Shopping Mall, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe district, Guangzhou. 020-3868-2327.