Coffee shops pepper Shenzhen’s urban landscape, emerging as an exciting contrast to the city’s deep-rooted tea traditions. For centuries, tea has been part of daily life in Shenzhen and across China, with a history stretching back thousands of years to Emperor Shen Nong’s discovery and as a social and cultural practice since the Tang dynasty.
The coffee culture has surged recently, fueled by a new generation of urbanites and entrepreneurs. Shenzhen now leads Chinese cities with nearly 10,000 coffee-related companies, and coffee shops have become essential gathering spaces for work, leisure, and socializing. Districts like Futian boast some of the highest coffee shop densities in the nation, with local and international brands innovating to meet the fast-paced lifestyle of the city’s white-collar workers.
Shenzhen celebrates this coffee boom through significant events like the Shenzhen Coffee Festival and the Futian Coffee Life Week. The Shenzhen Coffee Festival, held annually at the Convention and Exhibition Center, draws tens of thousands of visitors and features barista competitions, expert forums, and showcases of boutique and established coffee brands. The Futian Coffee Life Week further highlights the district’s exciting café scene.
In addition to its burgeoning coffee culture, Shenzhen remains deeply connected to its tea heritage through a calendar of tea festivals and expos. The city hosts the renowned Global Tea Fair China (Shenzhen) twice yearly—each spring and autumn–at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. Established in 2008, this event is among the most prestigious in the international tea industry, attracting worldwide enthusiasts, traders, and professionals. The fair features thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors, offering a platform for tasting, showcasing, and learning about a vast array of teas—from green and black to oolong and herbal varieties—and teawares and tea-related innovations.
The Shenzhen Coffee Festival, CAFEEX Shenzhen, is an annual event held at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center in the Futian District. It brings together hundreds of coffee brands, equipment suppliers, and industry professionals, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The festival features product exhibitions, coffee tastings, and live competitions such as barista and latte art contests. Attendees can join workshops and talks on coffee brewing, roasting, and industry trends. CAFEEX Shenzhen is a major platform for coffee lovers, local businesses, and international brands to connect, learn, and experience the latest in coffee culture.
The Shenzhen Coffee Festival, Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Fuhua 3rd Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://en.cafeex.com.cn/
Futian Coffee Life Week is an annual event in Shenzhen that highlights the district’s growing coffee culture. Centered around One Avenue Zhuoyue Center, the event features a range of activities, including coffee tastings, latte art demonstrations, barista competitions, and product showcases from local cafés and brands. The festival attracts coffee professionals and the general public, offering opportunities to try specialty coffees, learn about brewing techniques, and experience new trends such as AI-powered coffee machines. With participation from numerous cafés and shopping centers across Futian, the event provides a snapshot of the city’s dynamic coffee scene and encourages community engagement around specialty coffee.
Futian Coffee Life Week, One Avenue Zhuoyue Center, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://www.facebook.com/ILoveFutian/
The Global Tea Fair China (Shenzhen) is a major biannual trade event held at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, recognized as one of the leading platforms for the tea industry in China and internationally. Organized by Shenzhen Huajuchen International Exhibition Group, the fair attracts thousands of tea traders, producers, exporters, and enthusiasts from around the world, offering over 100,000 square meters of exhibit space and featuring more than 1,400 exhibitors. The event covers many products, including black, green, oolong, white, and dark teas, teawares, herbal teas, tea-related packaging, and processing equipment. The fair includes tea tastings, cultural events, industry forums, and business-matching programs, making it a key venue for networking and learning about the latest trends in the tea sector. The Global Tea Fair is open to professionals and the general public and is held twice a year, typically in June and December.
The Global Tea Fair China (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Fuhua Third Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://www.globalteafair.com/
Café Chinois, located on the second floor of the JW Marriott Hotel in central Shenzhen, offers a comfortable setting for enjoying quality coffee alongside its international dining options. Guests can order freshly brewed coffee from the café’s menu throughout the day, whether as part of the extensive buffet breakfast or as a standalone beverage during lunch or dinner. With its modern décor and relaxed atmosphere, Café Chinois is well-suited for casual coffee breaks, or unwinding after a meal.
Café Chinois, JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen, 6005 Shennan Boulevard, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 22698888 ext 8230, https://www.marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/szxjw-jw-marriott-hotel-shenzhen/190953-caf-chinois.mi
Starbucks has become a significant force in Shenzhen's coffee scene since opening its first store in the city in 2002, offering residents and visitors a consistent and comfortable coffee experience across numerous convenient locations. The brand's presence offers spacious interiors, friendly service, and a menu that blends global classics with local flavors, while flagship stores like Starbucks Reserve Shenzhen Bay Mix City elevate the experience with an immersive design and specialty brews. Further cementing its commitment to innovation and digitalization, Starbucks recently established its China Innovation and Technology Center in Shenzhen's Futian District, aiming to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations as part of its ambitious growth strategy in China, now the company's second-largest market worldwide. Don't forget to use or sign up for the Starbucks Loyalty Card.
Starbucks, various locations across Shenzhen, Starbucks Reserve Shenzhen Bay Mix City, #L185-L121, Huarun, Shenzhen Bay Mixc, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 2231 6529, https://www.starbucks.com/
Luckin Coffee's Jinzhonghuan International Business Building branch exemplifies the brand's rapid rise in Shenzhen, offering convenient, tech-driven service amid the city's bustling commercial district. Known for its affordable prices and reliable taste, this location is a popular stop for office workers and visitors seeking a quick caffeine fix or a refreshing jasmine milk tea. Luckin Coffee, now China's largest coffee chain with many stores (20,000 stores and counting, covering 300+ cities worldwide), prides itself on using high-quality Arabica beans and state-of-the-art brewing technology, delivering freshly roasted and ground coffee with every order from state-of-the-art SCHAERER coffee machines from Switzerland. Every batch of their coffee is carefully tested and blended by their team of WBC champions from Brazil, Poland, Italy, Japan, Australia, and China. With a streamlined app-based ordering system and a modern, minimalist atmosphere, the Jinzhonghuan branch reflects Luckin's commitment to efficiency, quality, and accessibility.
Luckin Coffee, Jinzhonghuan International Business Building, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://maps.app.goo.gl/, https://www.luckincoffee.com/
Sugar Cube, located on the first floor of the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen in the outdoor leisure plaza of MixC Phase II, Luohu, redefines the hotel bakery experience with its innovative cube-shaped design crafted by a renowned Japanese design firm. Unlike traditional hotel bakeries, Sugar Cube is a striking glass-walled structure, offering panoramic views of the bustling plaza and its world-class fashion boutiques, blending movement and tranquility. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of light breakfasts, including freshly baked cakes and handmade bread, or pies and light sandwiches for a relaxed lunch, all complemented by quality coffee and tea. With comfortable indoor seating and textured outdoor tables, Sugar Cube provides an inviting setting for everything from a quick morning bite to a leisurely afternoon tea with friends.
Sugar Cube, Grand Hyatt Hotel Shenzhen, No. 1881, Baoan South Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/zh-CN/shegh-grand-hyatt-shenzhen/dining
Blend Café is a boutique coffee shop and brunch spot that has carved out a loyal following in Shenzhen with its inviting atmosphere, quality coffee, and Western-inspired menu. Founded by owners with Australian and New Zealand backgrounds, Blend brings a touch of Antipodean café culture to the city, emphasizing a warm, family-friendly environment where staff and customers are treated like family. The café is known for its excellent coffee at fair prices and a diverse menu featuring Western breakfasts, brunches, and snacks, making it a popular destination for locals and expats. With thoughtfully designed interiors—such as the tranquil, chain-mesh-accented space in Futian—and new outlets expanding into districts like Longgang, Blend offers an oasis away from the urban rush, perfect for a relaxed breakfast, casual lunch, or a quiet coffee break.
Blend Café, Various locations throughout Shenzhen, https://www.facebook.com/SZBLEND/, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Sisyphe Park Books & Up Coffee in Shenzhen is a thoughtfully curated bookstore with a stylish café, perfect for bibliophiles. Located in popular Coco Park, this venue is part of the well-known Sisyphe bookstore chain, which operates over 60 branches across nearly 30 cities in China. The Shenzhen location features a wide selection of Chinese books, stationery, souvenirs, and a cozy Up Coffee café where guests can enjoy coffee, desserts, and light snacks in a quiet, inviting atmosphere. The café’s glass-walled design allows for a peaceful environment ideal for reading, working, or meeting friends, making it a favored spot for those seeking a break from the city’s hustle.
Sisyphe Park Books & Up Coffee, 3018, Jianshe Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 2888 3371, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Shenzhen Shiyiyue Coffee Shop is located on Fuqing Street in Nanshan's Huaqiangcheng (OCT) area. It offers a cozy and inviting spot for coffee lovers in one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. The coffee shop offers a relaxed atmosphere and, with its convenient location, makes it a suitable stop for those exploring the area or looking for a quiet place to enjoy a cup of coffee. With its blend of accessibility and neighborhood charm, Shiyiyue Coffee Shop adds to the diverse café culture that characterizes Shenzhen’s urban vibe.
Shenzhen Shiyiyue Coffee Shop, Fuqing St, Nanshan Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
In the vibrant OCT Loft Precinct, Old Heaven Books offers a refined coffee experience within a distinctive cultural setting. This unique venue combines the ambiance of a specialty café with the charm of an independent bookstore and the nostalgia of a vintage music shop. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted coffee while browsing thoughtfully curated books and rare vinyl records, all within an atmosphere that attracts artists, musicians, and creative minds.
Old Heaven Books (OCT Loft Precinct), Building A5, North District, 1st Floor, OCT Creative Park, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 8614 8090, oldheavenbooks@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/oldheavenbooks/
Coffee V.P.N., located on Cuiye Street in Futian District’s Jingtian area, is part of a cool coffee scene among decades-old residential buildings. This short street, home to nearly a dozen independent cafés, offers a trendy environment that stands out from the city's fast-paced urban landscape. Coffee V.P.N. and its neighbors are known for their creative approach, reflected in their unique drink offerings and thoughtfully designed interiors, making the area a favorite destination for young professionals and coffee enthusiasts seeking a relaxed place to socialize, recharge, or work.
Coffee V.P.N., Futian District, Jingtian area, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Perched on the 96th floor of The St. Regis Shenzhen, The Drawing Room and St. Regis Bar offer an elevated coffee experience with unimaginable panoramic city views. The Drawing Room is renowned for its signature Afternoon Tea ritual, featuring premium coffees alongside an elegant array of Chinese and Western delicacies in a lounge setting. Guests can enjoy expertly brewed coffee while relaxing in an atmosphere enhanced by live piano music and attentive service.
The Drawing Room And St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Shenzhen, No. 5016 Shennan Road, East Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 2223 9485, https://www.marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/szxxr-the-st-regis-shenzhen/6063509-the-drawing-room-and-st-regis-bar.mi
Yici Tea is a renowned teahouse in Shenzhen’s Futian District, celebrated for its Chinese tea culture. Nestled at the foot of Lianhua Hill, the teahouse is designed in an ancient Chinese style, featuring wooden furniture, embroidered screens, lanterns, and displays of calligraphy and paintings, with a striking compartmental cabinet showcasing a wide variety of tea leaves. Yici Tea specializes in Fujian oolong, prized for its sweet, long-lasting flavor and soothing qualities, alongside an extensive selection of black, white, and dark teas from across China. Guests can enjoy their tea with signature pastries made from green beans or dried tangerine peel and unwind in the main hall or opt for a private tea room, engaging in chess, reading, or calligraphy. The teahouse also hosts themed tea gatherings and cultural classes.
Yici Tea, Yutian Road, Fu Tian Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Province, China, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Yi Lounge at Four Seasons Shenzhen offers a refined tea experience in an elegant, contemporary setting. Renowned for its signature afternoon tea, Yi Lounge presents a multisensory journey that pairs premium teas with an array of handcrafted pastries and savory delicacies, often enjoyed on the terrace or in the super-chic lounge. Recent collaborations, such as the Aromatic Indulgence Afternoon Tea with luxury fragrance brand DOCUMENTS, have elevated the experience by blending evocative scents with thoughtfully curated treats, including lemon tea cakes, Mandarin orange vanilla cakes, and jasmine salmon cucumber rolls. You can expect a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas, complemented by attentive service and a tranquil ambiance.
Yi Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, 138 Fuhua Third Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 8826 8888, https://www.fourseasons.com/shenzhen
Mingxiang Tea Market is the perfect destination for tea enthusiasts, offering an authentic Chinese tea experience amid rows of stalls brimming with a vast selection of loose-leaf teas, aged tea cakes, and beautifully crafted tea sets and accessories. Visitors are encouraged to sit and sample a variety of teas, with friendly shopkeepers eager to share their expertise and guide seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers through the nuances of different flavors and brewing traditions. The market's relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to spend hours tasting, learning, and discovering new favorites, all while connecting with the local tea culture.
Housed in a multi-story building, Mingxiang Tea Market features specialized areas for retail, wholesale, and exclusive tea rooms, each uniquely decorated to evoke a sense of exploration! From the bustling first floor with its tea furniture displays and feng shui-inspired koi ponds to the upper levels reserved for specialty tea gatherings, the market offers a multi-layered experience that blends modern commerce with centuries-old customs.
Mingxiang Tea Market, 48 Wenxin Rd 1st, Nan Shan Qu, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 2649 8980, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Naixue Tea is a leading modern tea chain that originated in Shenzhen and now boasts nearly 150 locations across the city, including a prominent branch in KK Mall. Renowned for its creative tea drinks, Naixue specializes in freshly made fruit teas, cheese milk teas, and premium cold brew options, all served in a contemporary setting designed to appeal to young urban professionals. The brand's menu features a wide range of customizable drinks, complemented by its signature "Soft European Buns," making it a popular destination for tea aficionados and casual visitors seeking a stylish place to socialize.
Naixue Tea, various locations around the city, https://www.instagram.com/naixuetea/
HEYTEA is a trendsetting tea chain that originated in Shenzhen and has become a nationwide sensation. It is renowned for pioneering cheese tea and creative fruit tea beverages. With numerous locations across the city, including popular branches in major shopping centers, HEYTEA attracts a youthful, fashionable clientele drawn to its modern interior design and photogenic drinks. The menu features signature items such as cheese-topped teas, seasonal fresh fruit teas, and innovative milk tea blends, all crafted with high-quality ingredients. Known for its lively atmosphere and stylish presentation, HEYTEA has become a staple of Shenzhen’s beverage scene, often inspiring long queues of customers eager to experience its unique flavors and social media-worthy creations!
HEYTEA, various tea shops around the city, https://maps.app.goo.gl/, https://www.instagram.com/heytea.official/, https://www.heytea.com/
Prince Carma is a cozy tea and coffee shop in Shenzhen that stands out for its inviting, library-like atmosphere and appealing bakery offerings. The interior blends the warmth of a café with the quiet charm of a reading room, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful place to enjoy a drink or a sweet treat. Guests can choose from various teas and coffees, complemented by Western-inspired pastries with a subtle Chinese twist. Friendly and flexible staff add to the welcoming vibe, ensuring that visitors feel at ease even if there's a language barrier.
Prince Carma, Zhongxin Road, Baoan, Shenzen, Guangdong Province, China, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Futian Shangri-La's Lobby Lounge offers a refined tea experience in an elegant setting surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking a landscaped garden. Guests can choose from a fine selection of Chinese and English teas, from classic black and green teas to specialty herbal blends, served throughout the day alongside light snacks and pastries. The lounge is ideal for leisurely gatherings, providing a tranquil atmosphere and attentive service. Signature experiences such as afternoon tea highlight Chinese and Western tea traditions, making the Lobby Lounge a distinguished destination for tea enthusiasts.
Futian Shangri-La Lobby Lounge, Level 1, 4088 Yi Tian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 2151 3838, restaurantreservations.slft@shangri-la.com, https://www.shangri-la.com/shenzhen/futianshangrila/dining/bars-lounges/lobby-lounge/
Summer Tea House is on the 7th floor of the Jin Tang Building in Luohu District and is a spacious retreat that draws Buddhist monks and local tea enthusiasts. The teahouse is known for its tranquil, Buddhist-inspired ambiance, featuring minimalist décor and peaceful surroundings that encourage relaxation and mindfulness. Guests can choose from an extensive menu of traditional Chinese teas, complemented by a variety of vegetarian dim sum, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection, casual gatherings, or cultural exchange. With its calming atmosphere and focus on wholesome, plant-based fare, Summer Tea House has established itself as a go-to destination for those seeking a restorative tea experience in the heart of Shenzhen.
Summer Tea House, 7th Floor, Jin Tang Building, Luohu, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Dayi Tea House, situated in Huayuan Cheng Shopping Mall in Nanshan District, offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for those seeking a traditional Chinese tea experience. As part of the renowned Dayi brand, which is celebrated for its benchmark-quality Pu-erh tea and innovative fermentation techniques, the teahouse presents a diverse selection of premium teas, with a particular emphasis on aged Pu-erh from Yunnan. Guests can enjoy leisurely tastings and explore the nuances of different tea varieties in a relaxed setting.
Dayi Tea House, Shop 252-253 Huayuan Cheng Shopping Mall, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, +86 755 2668 8278, https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Nayuki’s new teahouse concept in Baoyuan Haiya Colorful City, Bao’an District, is a shift from its signature fruit teas and modern beverages to a celebration of traditional Chinese tea culture. This space is designed around a courtyard theme, featuring interiors that remind you of classic teahouses, with natural light and refined décor. Here, guests can savor a curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas emphasizing authentic brewing methods and tea etiquette.
Nayuki Teahouse, various teahouses throughout Shenzhen, https://www.naixuecha.com/
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