Binhai Library

An exterior view of the Tianjin Binhai New Area Library in Tianjin. The library, which features terraced shelves and cascading ceiling-to-floor bookcases, is drawing many visitors as well as readers. [Photo/VCG]

Since its opening, Binhai Library in Tianjin Binhai New Area has quite literally become one of the city's biggest star attractions.

BoredPanda, a renowned photo website based in the United States, said it is "the world's coolest library" as the beauty of its interior structure can "take your breath away".

British newspaper the Daily Telegraph called it the "ultimate library" for its futuristic design.

The popularity of the library comes from its novel, futuristic design.

An inside view of the Tianjin Binhai New Area Library. [Photo/VCG]

The six-floor facility, with a total floor space of 33,700 square meters, was designed by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, based in Rotterdam, along with the local Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute.

Because of the tight build schedule of the project commissioner - the Tianjin Binhai New Area government - the project went from preliminary drawings to completion within three years and it opened its doors in October 2017.

People take photos in the library. [Photo/VCG]

The library features floor-to-ceiling terraced bookshelves able to store 1.2 million books, and a large, luminous sphere in the center that serves as an auditorium with a capacity for 110 people. The library is nicknamed "the eye" because of its sphere, which looks like a giant iris and can be seen from the park outside through an eye-shaped opening.

The first and second floors mainly feature lounge areas and reading rooms. The floors above have computer rooms, meeting rooms and offices. There are also two rooftop terraces.