Jifeng Bookstore, once a thriving cultural hub in Shanghai, has found new life in Washington as JF Books. Originally established in China in 1997, the bookstore faced increasing pressure from authorities over its focus on sensitive topics, eventually leading to its closure in 2018. Now, founder Yu Miao has re-established the store in the U.S. capital, offering a rare selection of Chinese-language books and providing a platform for discussions on a wide range of topics, including Chinese studies and sociology.
Jifeng was known for its open discussions on subjects such as feminism, constitutionalism, and religion, often attracting young intellectuals. However, the growing restrictions in China made it increasingly difficult to organize events, with many seminars being canceled by authorities. The store struggled to renew its lease, and in its final days, power outages were used to discourage gatherings. Despite this, patrons gathered with mobile lights, reading poetry and playing music, a memory that still resonates with Yu.
After Jifeng’s closure, Yu moved to the U.S. with his family, where he found that there was a demand for Chinese-language books in Washington. With a desire to contribute to society and address this need, Yu opened JF Books. The new store not only offers books from mainland China but also stocks titles from Taiwan and Hong Kong, providing readers with access to literature that is difficult to obtain in China.
JF Books also carries English-language books, focusing on Chinese and Asian issues, as well as works by Asian authors. The store has quickly become a community space, much like its predecessor, organizing events and cultural activities. Already, three talks scheduled for September, including one with Chinese-American poet Ha Jin, have sold out.
For visitors like Rayna Zhang, JF Books serves as a bridge to the culture and trends of young people in China, while others, like William Au, find it remarkable that such an iconic Shanghai bookstore has resurfaced in Washington.
Yu hopes to continue building JF Books as a cultural and intellectual gathering place, echoing the spirit of Jifeng in its new setting, free from the restrictions it faced in China.
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