Beijing is teeming with cafés. New establishments appear frequently, and wherever there's a café, you'll find the café crowd. You might recognize these characters from Beijing's vibrant café scene, or perhaps you fit the description of one yourself...
1. The Laptop Nomad
There’s always that one laptop nomad who seems oblivious to their surroundings. They arrived at 9 am and have claimed the same table since then. Fueled by numerous Americanos, their fingers fly across the keyboard. They have an array of chargers surrounding them, fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. They're well-versed in which cafés in Beijing offer the best charging spots, and Cafe Zarah is a popular hangout for them!
2. The Matcha Maximalist
This person's entire persona revolves around their love for matcha lattes. They've spent years in Beijing and were fans of matcha long before it became trendy. They order it with almond milk because, as they like to inform others, oat milk is just starch. They once attended a matcha brewing class and now believe they possess superior knowledge.
3. The “I'm Just Here for the Ambience” Instagrammer
Do you know that Instagram-worthy but nearly inedible dessert? (Like that viral Xinhua Dictionary Mille-Feuille Cheesecake from Qieman Café.) This person orders it, takes dozens of photos, edits videos, creates a boomerang, and then leaves. They're attracted to the glamour of Beijing's unique coffee culture, but their main focus is on capturing the perfect shot of the most visually appealing menu item, ideally with a bustling hutong or trendy Sanlitun skyline in the background!
4. The Hutong Cafe Expert
This individual would never frequent a major chain like Manner Coffee or Wagas; they exclusively visit the quirky cafés that have become synonymous with the hutongs. They’re drawn to vintage décor, rooftop terraces, and the presence of stray cats. They navigate the hutong maze effortlessly without Baidu Maps and are always in the know about hidden gems located in the most obscure locations.
5. The First-Date Hopeful
This person seems ready to meet "the one." They're overly dressed and slightly anxious for a Wednesday afternoon. You’ll often see them fidgeting or obsessively checking their phone, striving to appear calm. Typically, they can be found at that trendy new artisanal café that opened a week ago in Sanlitun.
6. The Pet Parent
These individuals are commonplace in Beijing; they are the true pioneers of café culture. Accompanied by a shiba inu or corgi, or perhaps a cat in a stroller, all dressed in fancy pet attire despite the heat, they know which cafés in the city allow pets and will argue for the benefits of those that don't. They often ask if their dog can have a puppuccino, and their pet usually receives more attention than their own drink.
7. The Coffee Snob
This person is serious about their coffee. Much like an expert wine taster, they can discern whether the roast is too bold and if the coffee really is Ethiopian as the barista claims. They frequent cafés with numerous coffee options, like Berry Beans, and will react disdainfully if they see you holding a Luckin or Starbucks cup.
8. The Art School Aesthetic
This individual definitely attends the China Central Academy of Fine Arts. Picture them wearing a beanie in July, holding a sketchpad or a vintage camera, sipping an oat milk latte with observant eyes. This art school aesthetic can often be found tucked away in a café in 798 after taking in exhibitions for inspiration, or relaxing in a hutong café, enjoying the cultural richness and savoring the moment.
9. The “Let's Have a Meeting” Entrepreneur
With wireless earphones always in and a stream of corporate jargon flowing as they discuss on Tencent Meeting, this person might be pitching an app that “revolutionizes noodle delivery” right from their café seat. They’re ambitious, and nothing can deter them. A neglected coffee cup sits steaming beside them as they energetically strive to share their insights about China with the rest of the world.
Are you one of these types, or perhaps a blend of a few? Or maybe you’re a completely different type that we haven't yet recognized. Share your thoughts in the comments!
READ: Beat the Heat With These Pools, Water Parks & Pool Parties in Beijing
Images: Uni You, Joey Knotts, Canva, FreePik
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