Boxue Bookstore located in a street corner in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]

Many of those who love reading would have at some point in time dream of opening a bookstore. Shen Yi is one such person who has managed to do just that.

Shen is the founder of Boxue Bookstore in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

Despite being a small space, the store has a collection comprising about 40,000 books - equivalent to what most small libraries have - and is well-known among local bookworms.

Having developed an interest in reading since his childhood, Shen amassed a large collection of books in his home and eventually decided to sell them at a stall.

The 53-year-old later resigned from his job in a local State-owned brewery before founding Boxue Bookstore, which mainly features books on culture, history and art that are carefully curated by Shen and his wife.

Boxue Bookstore had relocated twice in 2010 and 2017 before arriving at its current location.

Shen once even had to sell his apartment to cover the ever-increasing rental costs for the store.

Apart from selling books, Boxue Bookstore also hosts cultural salons, lectures and small exhibitions to increase revenue.

"I just want to provide a little resting place for people who love literature," said Shen, adding that he will strive to keep the bookstore open as long as there are customers.

Shen Yi, founder of the Boxue Bookstore. [Photo/hz66.com]