How 4 Grads Built Ningxia’s First Garage-Style Startup Café

In China’s booming startup ecosystem, access to cheap, collaborative workspaces can make or break a young entrepreneur’s early days. For students and recent grads in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, finding such a space wasn’t easy—until four local graduates took matters into their own hands.

The answer came in August 2014, when the team opened (Victory Startup Coffee), the first garage-style entrepreneurial café in Ningxia. With an initial investment of over 1 million RMB, the 600-square-meter space offers flexible options: entrepreneurs can work for the price of a 10 RMB coffee—or even just free water.

What Is ?

Founded on April 1, 2014, by four non-local graduates who first met at North Minzu University, was inspired by Beijing’s iconic (Zhongguancun Garage Café)—a well-known hub for internet entrepreneurs. The Ningxia team wanted to replicate that model closer to home, creating a physical space where students and young innovators could meet, exchange ideas, and launch projects without steep overhead costs.

The café’s layout includes an open-plan workspace for up to 100 people, seven private studios, four meeting rooms, and a 50-seat multi-function hall. These facilities are designed to foster collaboration and provide practical resources for early-stage startups.

Who’s Using the Space?

Since opening, eight startup teams have set up shop at , including a notable group behind a local “Ele.me”-style food delivery service. The project was brought to the café by three students from North Minzu University and Ningxia University, who chose the space for its affordability and community atmosphere. The café has also hosted a range of events such as ecommerce startup mixers, microfilm entrepreneurship seminars, and micro-ecommerce salons—drawing in a steady stream of young business-minded visitors.

Support and Recognition

In December 2014, was officially recognized by the Yinchuan Municipal Government as an official youth entrepreneurship service platform for that year. This designation brought it under the city’s (park/base subsidy policy), making it eligible for a one-time service subsidy of up to 500,000 RMB. The team plans to reinvest in operations to strengthen its role as a hub for student and youth entrepreneurs in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ?

is Ningxia’s first garage-style startup café, offering a low-cost workspace for young entrepreneurs. It provides an open-plan office, private studios, meeting rooms, and a multi-function hall, where visitors can work for the price of a 10 RMB coffee or even free water.

Where is located?

The café is located near North Minzu University in Yinchuan, Ningxia, targeting local university students and young graduates looking for affordable startup space.

How much does it cost to use the space?

Entrepreneurs can use the open workspace for as little as 10 RMB (for a coffee) or even just free water, making it highly accessible for students and early-stage startups.

What facilities are available at ?

The 600-square-meter venue includes a 100-person open-plan workspace, seven private studios, four meeting rooms, and a 50-seat multi-function hall for events and larger gatherings.

Which startup teams are using the café?

Currently, eight startup teams are based there, including a food delivery service inspired by “Ele.me,” launched by students from North Minzu University and Ningxia University.

Has the café received any official recognition?

Yes, in December 2014, it was designated as a Yinchuan municipal youth entrepreneurship service platform, making it eligible for a one-time subsidy of up to 500,000 RMB under local policies.