Beijing Coffee I: Discover the City’s Most Unique Cafés and Culinary Moments

Beijing, this thousand-year-old capital, blends the weight of history with vibrant modern energy. When the aroma of coffee meets the charm of Old Beijing, a truly distinctive coffee culture emerges. Nestled in a century-old hutong residence or a contemporary art district, Beijing’s cafés captivate visitors and coffee lovers with their unique character.

Today, we’ve curated four of Beijing’s most representative and unique coffee spots, offering a taste of the city’s “exclusive memories” and its evolving coffee scene.

1. 1901 Café (Xishiku Church Branch): A Century of Coffee in a Historic Church Annex

• Historical Roots: Housed in a century-old annex of Xishiku Church, the café retains its European-style arches and stained-glass windows, once part of the church library. This space is arguably Beijing’s most “sacred” coffee experience.
• Unique Feature: Three floors with distinct styles: retro book bar, sunny glass conservatory, and a dimly lit attic. Try the “Church Signature” coffee, featuring a golden Bible quote at the bottom of the cup.
• Location: No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District. Subway Line 4 → Xisi Station, Exit D → 15 min walk.
• Price: Coffee ¥40–70; Desserts ¥35–60
• Must-Visit Recommendation: Sit beneath the stained-glass windows, order the “Tears of an Angel” signature drink, and feel transported to an old European film.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Xishiku Church – 1 min walk
  • Beihai Park – 15 min walk

2. VOYAGE COFFEE (Nanluoguxiang Branch): Slow Coffee Life in a Traditional Siheyuan

• Historical Roots: Located in a courtyard house (Siheyuan) near Nanluoguxiang, once home to Qing Dynasty nobles, VOYAGE preserves the original layout, creating a hidden hutong sanctuary.
• Unique Feature: A hundred-year-old jujube tree shades the courtyard. Recommended pairing: “Black Forest” pour-over coffee with freshly baked almond biscuits.
• Location: No. 7 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District. Subway Line 6 → Nanluoguxiang Station, Exit E → 5 min walk.
• Price: Coffee ¥30–55; Biscuits ¥15–25
• Must-Visit Recommendation: Savor a coffee in the courtyard, listen to rustling leaves, and experience the true leisure of Old Beijing.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Nanluoguxiang – 3 min walk
  • Shichahai – 15 min walk

3. Tangfang Coffee (Shichahai Branch): Terrace Views of the Drum Tower

• Unique Feature: Known as the “Sky Café”, the terrace offers panoramic views of the Drum and Bell Towers. Try the “Tangfang Signature” coffee topped with a marshmallow cloud—a feast for eyes and palate.
• Location: No. 22 Qianhai Dongyan, Shichahai, Xicheng District. Subway Line 8 → Shichahai Station, Exit A → 10 min walk.
• Price: Coffee ¥45–75; Desserts ¥40–65
• Must-Visit Recommendation: Watch the sunset from the terrace while enjoying coffee—capture Beijing’s most beautiful skyline.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Drum Tower – 5 min walk
  • Yandai Xiejie – 8 min walk

4. Soloist Coffee (Yangmeizhu Xiejie Branch): Retro Industrial Charm in the Hutongs

• Historical Roots: Renovated from an old hutong building, Soloist retains wooden beams, brick walls, and vintage metal fixtures—perfect for photography.
• Unique Feature: Signature “Dirty” coffee with layered textures. Pair it with the “Hutong Signature” dessert inspired by candied hawthorn (tánghúlu).
• Location: No. 39 Yangmeizhu Xiejie, Xicheng District. Subway Line 2 → Qianmen Station, Exit C → 15 min walk.
• Price: Coffee ¥35–60; Desserts ¥40–70
• Must-Visit Recommendation: Dress vintage, use the wooden staircase and old doors as photo props, and capture a “Retro Blockbuster” moment.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Qianmen Street – 10 min walk
  • Tian’anmen Square – 20 min walk

Conclusion: A Cup of Coffee, the Soul of Beijing

Beijing’s cafés are a fusion of history and modernity, blending Eastern and Western cultures. From Republican-era mansions to church annexes and traditional siheyuans, every cup tells a story. Slow down, step into these coffee spaces, and sip the soul of the city. For more ways to taste the city, take a look at our full guide on Beijing’s Local Food Trails.