### Crowds Gather to Bidding Farewell to Hong Kong's Iconic 'Have a Nice Stay' Bookstore

Hong Kong, China - The independent bookstore "Have a Nice Stay" marked its final day of operation on Sunday, drawing a steady stream of visitors eager to pay their respects to a cultural landmark that has become a symbol of resistance against Beijing's tightening grip on the city's autonomy.

As the sun set over Kowloon, a line of customers snaked down the staircase leading to the store's entrance, forming a somber queue in the bustling district. The store, which occupied a modest 600 square-foot space, was only able to accommodate 20 people at a time, reflecting the profound impact its closure has had on the community.

The bookstore's closure comes amid a dramatic downturn in Hong Kong's once-thriving independent bookstore scene, which has been decimated since Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation in 2020. Many of these stores, which offered a broader range of political and social titles than mainstream retailers, became crucial spaces for civil society through book talks and workshops.

"We no longer have the ability, or perhaps the courage, to continue fulfilling the mission of using books to share knowledge drawn from a diversity of perspectives," the store said in an online statement last month.

Have a Nice Stay was founded in 2022 by a group of former Stand News journalists and veteran media professionals who lost their jobs following the wave of closures of independent local news outlets after the imposition of the security law.

In a Facebook post on July 14, the store announced its intention to close on August 30, citing a combination of poor business performance, financial pressures, and uncertainty over its premises and Hong Kong's wider social environment.

"We have faced financial deficits over the past six months, though at times we managed to scrape by," the store said. "Looking at Hong Kong's broader economic situation, we can only pessimistically conclude that it will become increasingly difficult to carry on."

The store's closure is also attributed to what the owners described as an elusive "red line" policy by the government. "Government officials have made it clear that they will not specify which books may or may not be sold," they said. "We cannot read every book, nor are we able to determine which books may be considered problematic."

The store's closure has sparked a wave of concern and solidarity among Hong Kongers, who see it as a poignant reminder of the city's changing political landscape. "This is a loss for the whole of Hong Kong," said one customer, who preferred to remain anonymous. "It's not just a bookstore closing, it's the end of an era."

The city's most high-profile bookseller incident occurred in late 2015, when five publishers and booksellers associated with the Causeway Bay Books store disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The store had been famous for selling gossipy, politically sensitive paperbacks about mainland Chinese leaders. All five later emerged in mainland Chinese custody and delivered televised confessions related to their alleged offences.

As Have a Nice Stay prepares to close its doors for the last time, the outpouring of support from the community serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature and the collective memory of Hong Kong's struggle for freedom and autonomy.

"This bookstore has been a beacon of hope for many of us," said another customer. "It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always light to be found."

The closure of Have a Nice Stay is a somber reminder of the challenges faced by independent voices in Hong Kong as Beijing continues its efforts to erode the city's autonomy. It also highlights the crucial role that bookstores play in fostering a culture of free expression and intellectual curiosity.