[6] According to Yan, the bookstore's name, meaning "monsoon", referred to "the seasonal prevailing wind, changing according to the climate in an endless way, [which] resembles the fate of modern China".

[7] The bookstore grew a strong reputation among Shanghai's "liberal intelligentsia" for its works on "politics, philosophy, law and history," and the store eventually had eight locations across the city.

In addition to selling books, the owners aimed to make the bookstore into a type of community and discussion space by hosting public lectures and other events.

[7] At times, Yu was pressured by authorities to cancel events due to the planned speaker or subject matter.

[6] In January 2018, Yu was forced to close the bookstore's main Shanghai location after authorities refused to allow him to move the business elsewhere.

[7] During the last night, patrons and staff sang several English-language protest songs, including Bob Dylan's "Blowin’ in the Wind" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?"