Xinglong’s Coffee Culture: More Than Just a Cup

In a town of just over 20,000 people, more than 100 cafés buzz with life—not the quiet, filtered kind found in glossy magazines, but loud, messy, real conversations over steaming mugs. Here, coffee isn’t about latte art or minimalist interiors. It’s functional, communal, and deeply personal. “If I don’t have coffee, my head feels empty,” says one regular. For the people of Xinglong, Hainan, coffee is a daily necessity, a stimulant, and a way of life.

Xinglong has over 100 coffee shops for a population of 20,000. Locals typically drink 1–3 cups daily, often starting with strong black coffee in the morning. The town is also home to China’s first state-owned coffee factory, dating back decades.

Coffee as Daily Fuel—and Social Fuel

“，!” (Miss, give me a coffee!) calls ring out across Xinglong’s open-air cafés. There’s no pretense of third-wave elegance—just plastic chairs, noisy chatter, and strong brews shared among friends. Locals gather not for ambiance, but for talk: politics, lottery numbers, family news. “Talking about the world with friends over coffee is the best part,” says Xu Haiyang, a self-described political talker. Many pair their coffee with a lottery ticket, analyzing numbers over a slow hour.

The Town’s Distinct Coffee Taste

Xinglong residents have sharp palates. They assess beans by roast color, density, and flavor notes. Many prefer a locally favored style called “” (coffee black)—a bold, bitter, dark brew. Water temperature matters. Extraction time with a siphon? Known. Even a slight shift in acidity can signal the coffee wasn’t grown nearby. “If it’s too sour, we know it’s not our local coffee,” one customer notes. The preference skews toward intense, full-bodied profiles, often served black.

Coffee, Longevity, and History

“，3。” (One pure cup in the morning, no more than three per day), says a 40-something café owner whose skin remains smooth and youthful. Locals link their vitality to regular coffee drinking, and some studies back moderate coffee intake as beneficial to longevity. But beyond health, coffee is historical for Xinglong. Former residents proudly recall that Premier Zhou Enlai once drank three cups here—and almost a fourth, until his wife stopped him. They also highlight the Sun River Coffee Factory, the first state-run coffee producer in new China, named after the local river. Historical tools like stone grinders and cloth-filtered brewers still linger in shops and displays.

Cafés With Character

A central strip known as Old Coffee Street brims with cafés. Among them sits “Vasily,” a spot with red-and-black décor and a revolutionary name invoking old-world fervor. Locals sip under open skies or in breezy, no-frills spaces. Motorcycles crowd the sidewalks. The atmosphere is unfiltered, loud, and proudly working-class. These aren’t Instagram cafés. They’re community hubs where the coffee flows as freely as the talk.

What’s in the Cup?

While the article doesn’t specify brewing recipes used by every shop, it’s clear that many locals favor strong extractions. Water temperature is monitored. Siphon brewing times are precise. The favored local “coffee black” implies darker roasts, likely roasted longer to bring out deeper bitterness and body. Acidity is minimal—just a hint, and any excess is immediately noticed. Most drinks are consumed black, revealing the true roast character and bean origin without milk or sugar masking the profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coffee shops are there in Xinglong?

Xinglong, a town with a population of around 20,000, has over 100 coffee shops, making it an extraordinary hub of café culture for its size.

What is ‘coffee black’ in Xinglong?

“” refers to a local style of strong, dark, bitter black coffee preferred by many Xinglong residents for its bold flavor and full-body taste.

Do people in Xinglong drink coffee for health reasons?

Yes, many locals believe regular coffee consumption contributes to their health and longevity. Some drink one strong cup in the morning and up to three cups daily.

What historical connections does Xinglong have with coffee?

Xinglong was home to China’s first state-owned coffee factory, the Sun River Coffee Factory. Former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai reportedly visited and drank three cups during his stay.

What kind of atmosphere do Xinglong’s cafés have?

Xinglong’s cafés are casual, loud, and community-oriented, often lacking formal decor. They serve as open spaces for political debate, lottery discussions, and socializing over strong coffee.

How do locals evaluate coffee quality in Xinglong?

Locals assess coffee by bean color, roast level, aroma, and flavor. They can detect slight differences in acidity and origin, and strongly prefer minimal sourness and bold body in their brews.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Traditional Dark Roast Fans

For those who enjoy Xinglong’s bold “” style, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a balanced yet strong roast with notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. The Black Cocoa Blend offers intense cocoa and caramel tones, perfect for fans of deep, bitter profiles. Both showcase the kind of full-bodied, low-acidity cups locals prefer. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.