[Photo Provided to China Daily]

It was revealed on Nov 1 that Watson, who is best-known for the Harry Potter movie series, is a book fairy.

"After I read the news about her leaving books on the London Tube, I was so inspired that I immediately decided to do something over the weekend," Jiang said.

However, his decision was so spontaneous that he had no time to make the stickers that are usually placed on each book to identify them as part of the project. Instead, he put a note on the fly page to introduce the concept.

To his surprise, one of his friends was among those who found his books and posted a picture on WeChat Moments, a social media function on the instant-messaging app.

Jiang said more than 20 people have since come onboard and are now working on a more detailed plan to spread the love of reading.

"First, we need the support of Chongqing Light Rail Co to ensure the books stay there," he said, adding that while the project only covers his city, he is willing to offer advice to others looking to launch similar projects in other Chinese cities.

"I believe there are many book lovers like me in China, and this project will be welcomed across the country."

Although increasing numbers of people read on digital devices, books have not totally gone out of fashion. In April, a report by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication found that Chinese read an average of 4.58 books last year, up slightly from 4.56 in 2014.