Yu Miao, the proprietor of JF Books in Washington D.C., has embarked on a new chapter after his previous bookstore in China was forced to close its doors. Jifeng Bookstore, which operated in Shanghai for over two decades, was known for hosting discussions on a wide range of topics, including social issues, constitutionalism, and religion. However, the increasingly restrictive environment in China led to its closure in early 2018.
In an interview, Yu explained that certain subjects became taboo for public discussion in China, leading to heightened scrutiny from authorities. The bookstore faced growing pressure to cancel events, particularly those addressing sensitive topics like feminism. Despite these challenges, Yu remained committed to providing a space for open dialogue, refusing to self-censor or avoid controversial subjects.
At its peak, Jifeng Bookstore had up to eight locations in Shanghai. The establishment attracted a young audience eager to engage in intellectual discourse. However, as Beijing tightened its grip on booksellers and academics over the past decade, Jifeng found itself under increasing pressure. In 2017, the store encountered difficulties renewing its lease, signaling the beginning of the end for its operations in China.
Yu recalled the emotional final days of Jifeng’s Shanghai location. In a poignant moment, when the store’s power was cut off, patrons used their mobile phones and battery-powered lights to illuminate the space. Undeterred, they read poetry, sang, and played music, creating a moving atmosphere that drew even more readers to join in solidarity.
Following the closure of Jifeng, Yu relocated to the United States with his family to pursue further studies. Recognizing the scarcity of Chinese-language books in Washington D.C., he decided to open JF Books, combining his passion for bookselling with a desire to address this gap in the market.
The new store offers a diverse selection of Chinese-language volumes, as well as English titles focusing on Chinese and Asian issues. Unlike its predecessor in Shanghai, JF Books can stock publications from Taiwan and Hong Kong, which were previously unavailable due to mainland China’s strict controls.
Yu’s journey has not been without personal challenges. He described a harrowing experience when his wife was temporarily unable to leave China after a visit, calling it “a nightmare.” Now settled in the U.S., Yu expresses gratitude for the freedom to live without fear.
JF Books aims to recreate the community-oriented spirit of Jifeng, serving as a gathering place for literary and cultural events. The store has already organized several talks, including one featuring Chinese-American poet Ha Jin, which have garnered significant interest.
Visitors to JF Books have expressed enthusiasm for the establishment. Rayna Zhang, a 35-year-old patron, appreciates the opportunity to stay connected with Chinese culture and trends. William Au, 36, finds it intriguing that a bookstore once prominent in Shanghai has found a new home in Washington D.C.
The storefront of JF Books displays photos from Jifeng’s final days in Shanghai, alongside handwritten cards from former patrons, serving as a bridge between the store’s past and present. As JF Books establishes itself in its new location, it continues to honor the legacy of its predecessor while adapting to a different cultural and political landscape.