The Demise of The Newsstand

Published: Fall 2023

Author: Lin Qian

Once everywhere on street corners, newsstands are disappearing from people’s eyes.

On Xiaowen Street, one of the well-preserved historic and cultural districts located north of The Drum Tower in Ningbo, it is surprising to see that there are two newsstands just opposite each other.

According to Jinri Zhenhai digital newspaper, Ningbo had a maximum of 34 newsstands. With the decrease in the number of newsstands and businesses, the cultural function of newsstands weakened gradually.

Ruyi Bookstore, which is in between, is located on Xiaowen Street, 131-1in Ningbo, Zhejiang, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (Qian Lin). 2023/11/17

“Many newsstands closed by the state.” Lu Yaping, the owner of Ruyi Bookstore on Xiaowen Street. He explained that the state wanted to start other businesses like fast food restaurants, auto repair shops, and ticket stores, so they shut them down.

Ruyi Bookstore sells newspapers, comic books, magazines, and calendars on Xiaowen Street in Ningbo, Zhejiang, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (Qian Lin). 2023/11/17

“Most are regular customers, and they won't stop coming,” Lu says they always buy magazines like Duzhe, Zhiyin, or Qingnian Wenzhai. People who live far away do not often come.

According to Lu, the customers include both young and older people. Comic books like Conan and Ultraman are popular with young people. Many people buy Reference News, Ningbo Evening News, and Special Focus magazine because the content is well-written.

Li Zijing, a young girl who just bought Yilin magazine said it is her favorite. She shared that her mother used to order Yilin and Stories for her, but Yilin has serialized girls' novels, while Stories are more socially life-oriented.

“I come here probably every half month because Yilin is a bi-weekly magazine,” Li said. She knows she can read online, but she likes the physical book because it has more collectible value and can write on it.

According to Li, her grandparents used to read Ningbo Daily and Ningbo Evening News, but now they use smartphones. She also mentioned that they sometimes use waste newspapers to pad under broken table legs or clean windows.

A couple is taking their wedding photo in retro style in front of the newsstand. Ningbo, Zhejiang, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Qian Lin). 2023/11/17

Some people still treasured newsstands as they see it as preserving history. Sometimes, even a couple who are recently married will go there to take pictures.