Newsstands face battle amid changing times

Since then, as an ancient and traditional city, Beijing has started to use its advantages to strengthen its position as a cultural center.

Measures have been introduced to protect old streets and relics, build new cultural landmarks, improve the libraries' network and service, host cultural activities and provide subsidies to support bookstores.

Meanwhile, in Russia, the government has drafted a plan, suggesting there should be a newsstand for every 1,500 residents.

In Paris, the authorities have attempted to expand the business scope of newsstands and reduce rents to help the owners. They allow the stands to sell food, drinks, souvenirs and candies to increase income.

In Japan, there are convenience stores on nearly every street. Each community has more than one such store, which sell newspapers and magazines.

Wang Hui, 33, the mother of a 6-year-old boy in Beijing, said she often buys cartoon and other magazines at a newsstand for him on her way home.

"I want to protect his eyes by reducing the time he spends on his cellphone and other digital devices. He likes reading magazines. It's better to buy them at newsstands, because in that way I don't need to subscribe for a whole year," she said.

"I think that reading decides our kids' futures. No matter whether there are newsstands or other places selling newspapers and magazines, reading will always continue in some way."