In a cosmopolitan city like Beijing, a world of global coffee awaits your discovery. Within the captivating aroma of coffee, you can appreciate the unique cultural charm of this city, which is a fusion of both ancient and modern elements. Hereare five exceptional cafes that you should not miss!
1 Corner Tower Cafe
Corner Tower Cafe gained immediate popularity right after its opening, as it offers a unique opportunity toexperience imperial culture from outside the Forbidden City.
Located west of the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwu Gate), the cafe enjoys a quintessential interior of walls and screens painted with classical art works such as "A Thousand Li of Mountains and Rivers". It offers over 30 beverages under 5 categories: Classical Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Royal Selection, Milk and Tea, and Specialty Iced Drinks , among which the Royal Selection is the most popular. "A Thousand Li of Mountains and Rivers Roll", a Matcha peach roll, is another beloved offering among visitors for its poetic elements. Apart from food and drinks, the cafe also features a display area for exquisite and creative cultural products.
Address : 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District
2 Yao Cafe
In November 2022, Yao Cafe, awellness-themed coffee shop, was set up inside the century-old Baitasi Pharmacy in Xicheng district. A large number of visitors were soon attracted by this novel coffee house, whose modern decor formed a sharp contrast with the traditional style of the pharmacy on the same floor.
The cafe offers wellness drinks and premium coffee. By exploring the curative properties of food ingredients, the shop launched Luoshen Flower & Plum Tea and theSnow Pear Drink , which are exactly the tasty and healthy drinks that young people are looking for.
Address : Inside the hutong on the west of Baitasi Pharmacy, 165 Fuchengmen Inner Street, Xicheng District
3 Xisi Coffee
Xisi Coffee is a musical instrument-themed coffee shop. One of its specialty offerings is Xisi Latte, featuringmusical score latte art beautifully designed by the barista. Another specialty is the perfectly instagrammableChinese-style latte , with black and white latte art resembling traditional Chinese ink painting.
The coffee house also has an open terrace on its roof top with greenery and swinging chairs. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing coffee break while having a bird's eye view of the Wansong Pagoda and Honglou Public Library, and even the faraway White Pagoda in Beihai Park.
Address : 18 Xisi South Street, Xicheng District
4 Panda Coffee
Have you ever fancied being accompanied by adorable pandas while enjoying a sip of coffee? Well, the Panda Coffee in the Beijing Zoo can offer you such rare experience.
Panda Coffee embodies a relaxed dining and cultural ambience, characterized by a traditional Chinese design. The space exudes coziness, adorned with prominently featuredmulti-layered panda figures that engage visitors with exhibits and interactions in the public area. The cafe immerses customers in apanda-themed atmosphere , incorporating panda imagery into its decor, coffee offerings, and even cup coasters, ensuring a fulfilling experience for every guest.
Address : 129 Xizhimen Outer South Street, Xicheng District
5 Starbucks' First "Intangible Cultural Heritage" Concept Store in China
Starbucks' first concept store ofintangible cultural heritage in China is located in a bright, standalone glass building that boasts a modern exterior.
However, its interior design pays homage to Beijing's hutong culture, capturing the authentic essence of ancient Beijing. One side of the counter backdrop features indigo cloth adorned with hand-drawn depictions of hutongs from ancient Beijing, while the other side showcases acurated display of artifacts integrating motifs from wax-printing, coffee culture, and old Beijing traditions.
Address : 2nd floor, Huamao Shopping Mall, 79 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District
