Chongqing - Chongqing has launched China’s first cross-provincial high-speed rail reading network, turning waiting halls into “libraries on the journey” with free, self-service book lending for travelers.

Launch ceremony of the "Fingertip Library" program. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Unveiled on February 2—one day after China's newly released Regulations on the Promotion of Nationwide Reading took effect and the start of the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush—the public welfare "Fingertip Library" program debuted simultaneously at the main venue in Chongqing East Railway Station and sub-venues at 16 other high-speed railway stations across the municipality.

Jointly developed by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development and China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., the initiative embeds public cultural services directly into the rail travel experience, offering passengers a new way to read on the move.

The first phase covers 17 major high-speed railway stations, including Chongqing North, Chongqing West, Chongqing East, and Wanzhou North, each equipped with customized, unattended “Fingertip Library” kiosks for fully self-service borrowing.

"Fingertip Library" self-service borrowing kiosk. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

At 12 stations—such as Chongqing East, Chongqing West, Yongchuan East, and Fuling North—dedicated reading areas totaling more than 540 square meters have also been created, extending the service beyond borrowing to comfortable on-site reading.

The system is fully integrated with the Sichuan–Chongqing regional library card network. With a single card, readers can return books at any of 249 public libraries across the two regions, as well as at more than 2,000 service points in Chongqing, including high-speed railway stations, metro "Fingertip Library" kiosks, and urban reading rooms—forming a seamless cross-provincial reading grid.

Passengers may borrow up to eight books at a time, free of deposit, for 30 days, with one renewal. Books can be read during the journey and returned at eligible locations; if outside the network, users may mail them back at their own expense.

The project builds on Chongqing's successful "Fingertip Library" program in the city’s metro system, where document circulation has reached 279.3 percent, reflecting strong public uptake.

Officials say the rail extension not only creates shared reading spaces but also showcases railway culture, local landscapes, and regional features through curated displays.

Reading promotion activities drew enthusiastic participation from travelers. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

“This is a concrete step in implementing the Nationwide Reading Promotion Regulations and supporting the Chengdu–Chongqing economic circle,” a representative of the municipal culture and tourism authority said. "By combining high-speed rail with reading, fragmented travel time becomes meaningful, and culture flows along the tracks with every passenger."

A representative of China Railway Chengdu Group added that railways are not only transport arteries but also important windows for public service and civility. The program enhances the travel experience by meeting passengers’ need for quiet reading during waiting and travel time.

Following the launch ceremony, stations hosted a range of reading-themed activities, including free book giveaways, borrowing demonstrations, cultural and creative displays, pop-up readings, and outreach on the new reading regulations, drawing enthusiastic participation from travelers.