In the late autumn season, it's a delightful experience to find a terrace with friends, savor a cup of coffee, and enjoy the magnificent views of Beijing. Here a few coffee shops with terraces are recommended.
Yao Cafe
As you enter White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy on Fuchengmen Inner Street, a faint herbal aroma will greet you, while the coffee taste doesn't take center stage. The modern interior of Yao Cafe contrasts sharply with the adjacent quaint pharmacy.
Yao Cafe is operated jointly by the 150-year-old White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy and the nearby Bai Ta Zhi Guang Cafe. After taking photos at the nearby red walls, visitors can stop by here for a drink and then stroll through the nearby hutongs to enjoy the autumn scenery.
The coffee shop has a street-facing balcony on the first floor, with foldable wooden windows that allow the view of the red walls of White Pagoda Temple to be seen both indoors and outdoors. Moving to the terrace on the third floor, you can have a panoramic view of the pagoda. Here, you can order a healthy specialty drink, leisurely observe the crisscrossing hutongs of the old city, and enjoy the blue sky, white pagoda, red walls, and flying pigeons. It's truly a delightful experience.
Address: 165 Fuchengmen Inner Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Qiansanmen
Qiansanmen refers to the collective name for the Qianmen, Xuanwumen, and Chongwenmen gates in Beijing. The coffee shop is located in the vicinity of these three gates and incorporates elements from all three, hence the name "Qiansanmen."
The overall style of the shop leans towards retro Chinese, with two floors of space. On the first floor, you'll find the bar counter and ordering area, where the rugged style is complemented by green plants as a subtle touch.
On clear days, the second floor is bright and airy. When sitting on the outdoor terrace and looking around, one can see the gray brick and tile structures that exude the old Beijing atmosphere. In the late autumn afternoon, accompanied by warm sunshine and the aroma of coffee, you can fully experience the tranquility and vitality of the hutongs.
Qiansanmen specializes in signature coffees such as Poached Egg Mocha, Summer Night, Liquid Tiramisu, and Chestnut Autumn. They also offer regular hand-poured Italian coffee, sparkling water, premium tea, and fruit tea. Come here and enjoy your leisurely time!
Address: 20 Tiaozhou Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing
Zhipu (Limitless) Cafe
True to its name, Zhipu Cafe is a coffee shop that offers a comfortable ambiance from top to bottom. The first floor is a tidy and clean ordering area, with a white color scheme that evokes a sense of tranquil healing.
Carrying your coffee and dessert, one can ascend the stairs to find the second-floor seating area quite stunning. The industrial style of "cement + green plants" creates a juxtaposition between exposed walls and lush greenery, as if one were in an ancient tropical rainforest.
The staircase from the second floor to the third floor is pure white, adorned with tropical plants personally planted by the owner. On the third floor, you'll find a spacious terrace where you can see layers of old houses and the pinnacle of White Pagoda Temple in the distance. Nestled on a white sofa, sipping a cup of coffee, you can quietly feel the passage of time, making it a perfect interpretation of a weekend getaway.
Address: 89 Fuchengmen Nei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Translator: CHEN Nuoqi
Editor: ZHOU Huilin
