The History and Current State of Coffee Planting in China

Ever wondered where coffee is actually grown in China? Despite being better known for tea, several regions across the country have been cultivating coffee for over a century. From the tropical south to the southwestern highlands, these efforts have created a unique coffee-growing landscape shaped by history, climate, and perseverance.

Today, China has around 200,000 acres of coffee farms, yielding approximately 31,000 metric tons of coffee beans annually. The majority are located in Yunnan, with Hainan and Guangdong also playing significant roles.

The Origins: How Coffee First Came to China

Coffee was introduced to China more than 100 years ago. The first recorded planting took place in 1884 in Taipei County (now part of Taiwan), later expanding to Taichung and Kaohsiung. In 1908, overseas Chinese brought large and medium coffee varieties from Malaysia to near Nada on Hainan Island. Over time, additional introductions from Malaysia and Indonesia occurred in Hainan’s Nada, Wenchang, and Chengmai regions. In Guangxi, coffee was introduced over 50 years ago by overseas Chinese from Vietnam, mainly cultivated in Jingxi, Jinping, Longjin, and Baise. Yunnan began trial plantings from Vietnam and Myanmar roughly 90 years ago, focused on Dehong and Xishuangbanna. Other regions like Yongchun and Xiamen in Fujian, Xichang in Sichuan, and western Guangdong also experimented with coffee cultivation.

A Rocky Past: The Ups and Downs of Coffee Production

China’s coffee production has seen dramatic fluctuations. During the 1950s and early 1960s, coffee farming expanded rapidly. By 1960, the national planted area reached 130,000 mu (about 8,667 hectares), with annual output exceeding 300 metric tons. However, by 1979, that had plummeted to just over 2,000 mu and 100 metric tons. The 1980s marked a turnaround. By 1983, the area had rebounded to 50,000 mu, producing 431.9 metric tons of coffee beans. Fast forward to today, and the national coffee planting area has grown to 200,000 mu (approximately 13,333 hectares), yielding about 31,000 metric tons annually. Most of these plantings are recent, meaning many are not yet in full production. Guangdong and Hainan mainly grow medium-sized beans, while Yunnan focuses on small beans. Fujian and Guangxi have limited cultivation.

The Present: Where Coffee Is Grown Now

Currently, the primary coffee-growing regions in China are Yunnan, Hainan, and Guangdong. Yunnan dominates production, particularly in areas like Dehong and Xishuangbanna, where the small coffee variety thrives. Hainan primarily cultivates the medium coffee variety, as does Guangdong. Smaller amounts are grown in Fujian, Guangxi, Sichuan, and other parts of Guangdong. Experimental trials have also taken place in various other provinces. Notably, the Lujiang Farm in Yunnan set a yield record for small coffee beans, achieving 800.65 kilograms per mu under test conditions. Production data confirms that China’s diverse climates are suitable for coffee growth, with proper management capable of delivering strong yields.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to China?

Coffee was first introduced to China in 1884 in Taipei County (now part of Taiwan). It was later planted in Taichung and Kaohsiung. In 1908, overseas Chinese brought coffee from Malaysia to Hainan Island, marking the start of Hainan’s coffee cultivation.

Which regions in China grow coffee today?

The main coffee-growing regions in China are Yunnan, Hainan, and Guangdong. Yunnan leads production, especially in Dehong and Xishuangbanna. Hainan and Guangdong mainly grow medium-sized beans, while Yunnan focuses on small beans. Smaller plantings also exist in Fujian, Guangxi, Sichuan, and other parts of Guangdong.

How much coffee does China produce?

As of the latest data, China has around 200,000 acres (200,000 mu) of coffee farms, producing approximately 31,000 metric tons of coffee beans annually. Most of these farms are recently established, so not all are fully productive yet.

What types of coffee are grown in China?

China grows both small and medium coffee varieties. Yunnan primarily cultivates the small coffee variety (typically Arabica), while Hainan and Guangdong focus on the medium variety. Experimental plantings have included various other types across different regions.

Was coffee production in China ever discontinued?

Yes. After a peak in the 1950s and early 1960s, coffee production sharply declined by 1979, with only around 2,000 acres and 100 metric tons produced. Production recovered in the 1980s and has been growing since, especially in Yunnan.

Has China set any coffee yield records?

Yes. The Lujiang Farm in Yunnan set a national yield record for small coffee beans, producing 800.65 kilograms per mu in test fields.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Exploring Chinese Origins

While FrontStreet Coffee doesn’t currently offer beans grown in China, their Yunnan Arabica offerings reflect the terroir of China’s key coffee-growing region. Try the Yunnan Single Origin for bright acidity and red fruit notes, or explore their Classic Blend which highlights balanced profiles akin to those developed in Yunnan’s high-altitude farms. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.