A recently opened bookstore in the city outskirts has found itself to be phenomenally popular. According to the Jiefang Daily, it saw a peak of 12,000 visitors on the first day of the May break, and has continued to receive 7,000 to 8,000 people on weekends since its opening on April 26.

Yet for most of these people, buying books is the last thing on their minds, with staff reporting that 60 to 70 percent come to "sightsee." They wander around, engage in loud conversations, and spend their time posing for photos, using the bookstore as a setting and the books as props.

What explains the draw of this bookstore? Upon its opening, the Xinmin Evening News did a pictorial story that called the store "the most beautiful bookshop." The story went viral on social networks.

The bookstore looks beautiful indeed - from the pictures I have seen, its interior design is not only impeccable but unique. Understandably, people are drawn to that. But I think there is more to physical attributes and aesthetics when it comes to the "beauty" of a bookstore.

In my opinion, the essence of a bookstore's beauty lies in two aspects: the range and quality of the books it offers, and the environment it provides.

Apparently, these "tourists" are spoiling both of these.

First, while I have no idea of the range of books available in this store, it is clear that many of the books end up in an unpleasant condition due to the tourists. In half a month, about 1,000 books have been damaged, as protective wraps are removed, pages pawed and covers ripped and scuffed by those posing for photos. To true booklovers, this is a major turn-off.

Secondly, the tourists turn the bookstore into an extremely crowded, noisy place, negating the benefits of the exquisite aesthetics of a bookstore designed for just a few hundred customers by packing it with thousands of visitors. They disturb the quietness by talking loudly, barging their way around, and taking photos with flash.

Therefore, the bookstore might no longer be beautiful to those who are there for the books - the bookstore's real customers.

But the bookstore seems unwilling to protect the interests of their real customers by adopting a harder line with the tourists.

According to local media, it is not only understaffed, but the staff do little to keep unruly customers in check.

I advise the bookstore to be stricter with the tourists right away. While it is true some of them may purchase one or two books as souvenirs, this hardly makes up for the financial loss caused by damaged books and real customers being driven away.

Visible signs warning against such obnoxious behavior should be hung, while staff should be trained to be more proactive in maintaining a tranquil atmosphere. While this may cause conflict in the short term, it will benefit both the store and true booklovers in the long run.