The backstreets of downtown Nanjing have now become a burrow known for their second-hand books and vintage vinyl. Scattered along Hankou Lu, you’ll find bookstores and miscellaneous shops replete with items of the ages.
“Scholar Bookstore”, located at 48 Hankou Lu, is filled to the brim with relics of the past, as well as second-hand books. Unlike most such stores you’ll find in Nanjing, Scholar has their fair share of English novels, as well as some in French. While not known for a plethora of English titles, you’ll still be able to find a couple clothbound classics in decent condition, such as “Oliver Twist” and “Moby Dick”. If you’re into French literature, there are novels from the 1930s, poems and an unexpected quantity of French-translated Russian novels priced for ¥10-¥30, with occasional ¥5 books. Throughout, you’ll find bits and bobs of sheet music, postage stamps, and to my surprise, a Backstreet Boys cassette.
Upstairs, traditional antiques of more value, such as boxes of jewlery and ancient books, as well as sheet music from more well-known composers, such as Mozart and Tchaikovsky. The 19th century décor is accompanied by suitable furniture; an antique piano, plus tables and chairs that look like they came straight out of Emily Dickinson’s house. On the stairs themselves, the walls are embellished with portraits and paintings featuring the occasional duck plus collectable teaspoons.
Further down the lane you will find the quaint, “Lair Vintage”, which poses as a hub for all things vintage fashion. Bringing back the retro chic with flying colours, the store captures a pleasant blend of retro clothing in a modern society. Their wider collection of vinyl carries the theme of the shop, having vinyl from both past and present, along with soundtracks from movies such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Call Me by Your Name”.
Out front is mainly clothing, ranging from overalls to leather jackets and a prominent collection of sweaters. While the accessory and music section may not be as large a collection, the vinyl and CDs are equally cared for and of favourable quality.
As an amusing aside, the owner of the store can often be seen strutting their featured items of clothing in both the store, as well as on their WeChat moments as Outfit of the Day (OOTD).
Finally for the pièce de resistance; Vintage 101 serves as a haven for all things modern rock. Aside from the immaculate collection of 90s vintage t-shirts and Doc Martins, the eclectic CD collection would be reason enough to visit because there is surely something for everyone. To note just a few standouts, their wide range of 90s varsity jackets and sweaters is accompanied by iconic John Lennon Windsor glasses. Not everything can be purchased with pocket money, but you will be able to find a couple of graphic t-shirts for around ¥30.
When it comes to their range of CDs, the shelves hold the perfect balance of rock, folk and alternative, with the occasional bit of psychedelic rock, all collected along the owner’s vast global travels. The shop’s charisma can be experienced all the way from the hidden entrance decked with Beatles memorabilia and amusing posters, to the unique step into the past captured by the eclectic décor and vibe. Don’t be fooled by the shop’s petite size; it carries an ample collection of irresistible trinkets for music enthusiasts and an assortment of Bohemian bling.
While every shop varies, the owners are all a delight to speak to and will help if there’s something else you’re looking for, as what’s in the shops is only a fraction of the whole collection. With multiple restaurants and bars in the surroundings, this hot spot near to Nanjing University is undoubtedly the new destination for lazy weekends simply lost in time.
