The first was opened at the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary, in 2017, where the group has provided more than 800 copies of 400 titles targeted at researchers of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as teachers and students of Chinese language and literature. In the last three years, the library has also expanded its collection to include children's books and picture books about Chinese culture for young readers.

In May 2024, the latest Phoenix Library opened at the China Cultural Center in Paris.

"The main purpose of the project is to provide overseas readers with convenient access to reading, promote the international readership of Chinese books, and create a reading space," Yuan says.

"By displaying physical books and organizing activities, such as reading salons and cultural lectures, the libraries seek to bridge the gap between Chinese cultural products and overseas readers, creating an interactive space for making friends through books."

At a Phoenix Library, readers can borrow books about humanities, social sciences, literature, art, popular science, lifestyle, as well as academic studies. In addition, the publishing and media group regularly organizes author meet-and-greets and reading sessions.