"A map is the main form reflecting the national territory, embodying rich content and reflecting complicated social relations," said Chen Ping, general manager of SinoMaps Press, which operates the bookstore. "And it has an important impact on the development of national territorial awareness."

China's first map-themed bookstore opens in Beijing's Shijingshan district on Dec 23, 2019. (Photo: China Daily)

Shan Zhiqiang, editor-in-chief of Chinese National Geography magazine, said a map is the image of a country that should be embedded in the mind of every citizen.

He said the bookstore will provide readers, especially the young, with a deeper understanding of China's territory and other parts of the world.

China's first bookstore specializing in maps opened in Beijing's Shijingshan district on Tuesday.

It stocks thousands of maps of China and the rest of the world that focus on various themes, including transportation, cultural relics, history, geography and natural scenery.

The bookstore also has detailed maps covering regions at all levels of China, from municipalities to towns, as well as hand-painted maps and maps with cartoon images for children.

It also has a reading corner for children that can be used as a venue for free lectures and interactive activities.