Even libraries are now jumping on the metaverse bandwagon.

The Lingang Digital Technology Library claims to be the world’s first metaverse library and hopes to start operations by the end of 2022, Sixth Tone’s sister publication The Paper reported on Wednesday, citing library operator Xinhua Media. The Shanghai-based library aims to “deliver a seamless connection between real and virtual reality and an immersive interactive reading experience” using various technologies.

The metaverse refers to an immersive digital world that combines virtual reality, augmented reality and the mobile Internet, although its applications are currently limited. While many Chinese companies, from real estate to virtual idols, are betting on…