In a quiet cul-de-sac in Hong Kong, a somber gathering took place over the weekend as hundreds bid farewell to an independent bookstore, Mount Zero. The bookstore announced its closure at the end of March after facing constant complaints and government inspections, which accused it of illegally occupying government land.
Since the imposition of a national security law in 2020, Hong Kong’s cultural sector has been under increasing pressure, with fears of censorship looming over the city. The recent enactment of a second national security law has only heightened concerns about the future of pro-democracy sentiments and artistic freedoms in the city.
Mount Zero, a beloved two-story bookstore known for hosting cultural events and book talks, has become a symbol of the challenges faced by independent bookstores in Hong Kong. The bookstore’s closure has left a void in the community, with supporters lamenting the loss of a vital gathering place for like-minded readers.
As night fell on Mount Zero’s final hours, readers gathered to share sweet green pea soup and barbecue pork, reflecting on the impact the bookstore had on the local community. Despite its closure, the spirit of Mount Zero lives on, with supporters vowing to remember the bookstore’s legacy and the importance of preserving spaces for book lovers in Hong Kong.
The closure of Mount Zero serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent bookstores in Hong Kong and the ongoing struggle to protect freedom of expression and cultural diversity in the city.