Chongqing - "Clessence Bookstore belongs to all the people of Chongqing," said Yang Yi, the founder of Clessence Bookstore, during an exclusive interview with Bridging News. "I am merely a caretaker."

On August 3, Yang transferred Clessence Bookstore on Nanbin Road to Li Hui, founder of Chongqing's Xinshan Bookstore, for one yuan only. This act continues a cultural legacy and reflects Yang's commitment to public ownership of cultural brands.

Clessence Bookstore is a cherished cultural landmark in Chongqing. It symbolizes the city's vibrant literary scene and community spirit, and it represents Chongqing's dedication to preserving its rich heritage and fostering a love for knowledge.

Yang Yi, the founder of Clessence Bookstore. (Photo/Yang Yi)

Yang explained his decision by referencing the ancient Chinese legend of Yao and Shun, where Yao, a key leader after the Yellow Emperor, chose Shun as his successor based on virtue and capability, not lineage.

The Abdication Story of Yao and Shun illustrates the democratic system of primitive communal society, featuring a peaceful and democratic selection rather than a transfer of personal power.

Yang viewed the brand transfer as a modern form of "abdication" that breaks from bloodline and legal ownership constraints and reflects a public consciousness beyond personal interests.

Yang saw the bookstore brand as a cultural public asset for the city, not a personal possession. By making Clessence Bookstore a public entity, he ensured it remained a shared resource for Chongqing. He hoped future managers would act as custodians, preserving the bookstore's purity and public nature.

Cultural beacon

Clessence Bookstore has been a cherished Chongqing landmark for 26 years due to its unique book selection philosophy.

Inside Clessence Bookstore. (Photo/Yang Yi)

Yang emphasized that the bookstore's core strength is its cultural purity and commitment to readers. He selected books not based on market trends or profitability but on the value they offer. "Reading this book will make you a better person," Yang said, summarizing his selection criteria.

In late 2021, the theme of Clessence Bookstore's recommended book of the year was "Dancing with Uncertainty," addressing the need to navigate uncertain times. By early 2022, events like the Russia-Ukraine war, Queen Elizabeth's death, and Japan's Prime Minister's assassination highlighted the theme's relevance. "We had already encouraged our readers to focus on this issue and guided them on how to cope with uncertainty," Yang added.

He continued that by the end of 2022, they shifted to the theme "Emerging from Chaos," reflecting the transition from old orders to new ones. The bookstore guided selected books to help navigate this chaotic period.

For over a decade, Clessence Bookstore has evolved its offerings to match the times, starting with world classics and progressively shifting to guidance on applying this knowledge.

Yang believed that a great bookstore is not merely a place to sell books but a cultural beacon and a driver of the city's cultural development.

Like Shakespeare and Company in Paris or City Lights in San Francisco, Clessence Bookstore is a cherished cultural landmark in Chongqing. Its curated selection expresses cultural values and supports the city's cultural growth.

Clessence Bookstore is located on Nanbin Road, Chongqing. (Photo/Yang Yi)

Yang understood that the person taking over this cultural brand must possess both courage and passion. Given that bookstores are generally not profitable, the new curator must demonstrate economic sacrifice and a strong sense of cultural responsibility.

Yang hoped that Li Hui, as the new manager, will continue to uphold the bookstore's public and cultural mission, providing high-quality cultural services to the people of Chongqing.

"The one who passes it on must have a spirit of sacrifice, and the one who receives it must have courage and passion," Yang remarked. The story of Clessence Bookstore is not just about the continuation of a bookstore; it is about the continuation of a cultural life that deeply resonates with Chongqing's residents.