Zoo Coffee Opens First Store in Kunming With Animal-Themed Design

Zoo Coffee isn’t your average coffee shop. When fans of the Korean-themed café chain walked into its first Yunnan location—right in the heart of Kunming’s Nanhua business district on December 21—they weren’t just there for the drinks. They came for the giraffes, zebras, and elephants waiting inside. This is a café built like a zoo, where every corner brings a smile and the espresso comes with a side of jungle vibes.

Zoo Coffee’s new Yunnan flagship opened in Kunming on December 21, becoming the brand’s 130th store in China. The café features animal-themed décor including wooden interiors, life-sized sculptures, murals, and plush toys of jungle creatures.

What Makes Zoo Coffee Different From Regular Cafés?

Zoo Coffee ditches the minimalist, industrial look common in global chains like Starbucks. Instead, it leans into nature. The Nanhua flagship uses a lot of wood in its furnishing, paired with animal statues—zebras, elephants, leopards—and hand-drawn murals. "People walk lightly in zoos," said Zheng Shunchao, chairman of Taiying Catering, Zoo Coffee’s operator in China. "Urban dwellers need relaxation, and an animal-themed café helps relieve stress."

What Can You Actually Order at Zoo Coffee?

Beyond the usual espresso, latte, cappuccino, and mocha, Zoo Coffee serves Korean-style drinks like barley tea and red ginseng beverages. For food, expect Belgian waffles (crispy outside, soft inside), honey-cheese bread with generous portions, and themed desserts such as giraffe- and zebra-patterned cakes and zoo pizza. The menu is family-friendly and built for sharing.

Will Zoo Coffee Use Local Yunnan Coffee Beans?

Currently, Zoo Coffee imports all its coffee beans from South Korea with strict quality control. But according to Zheng Minjun, the company’s China general manager, they’re actively experimenting with Yunnan Arabica beans. Plans are underway to develop drinks that highlight Yunnan’s terroir, with possible launches in late 2024 or early 2025. The goal is to offer beverages that reflect both Korean creativity and local Yunnan flavours.

Where Is the New Café and How Can You Join Their Membership Program?

The Nanhua flagship is located at Unit C1-8, Xingheyuan, Nanhua Fengqingyuan, Kunming. To encourage repeat visits, Zoo Coffee offers multiple membership tiers: a 300 RMB Red Card (9.5% off), 500 RMB Silver Card (10% off), and 1000 RMB Gold Card (12% off). Seasonal promotions are also available during Christmas and New Year. More locations across Kunming’s major commercial districts are planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Zoo Coffee open in Kunming?

Zoo Coffee’s Yunnan flagship store officially opened on December 21, 2023, in Kunming’s Nanhua business area, making it the brand’s 130th café in China.

What is the theme of Zoo Coffee?

Zoo Coffee is designed around an animal and jungle theme, with wooden interiors, animal sculptures (like zebras and elephants), murals, and plush toys to create a playful, relaxing atmosphere.

Does Zoo Coffee serve drinks other than coffee?

Yes, besides classic coffee options like espresso and lattes, the café also serves Korean-inspired drinks such as barley tea and red ginseng beverages, along with snacks and desserts.

Will Zoo Coffee use Yunnan-grown coffee beans in the future?

Zoo Coffee is currently testing Yunnan Arabica beans for potential use in locally inspired drinks, with plans to release new products possibly in late 2024 or early 2025.

What are the membership benefits at Zoo Coffee?

Zoo Coffee offers a Red Card (300 RMB, 9.5% off), Silver Card (500 RMB, 10% off), and Gold Card (1000 RMB, 12% off), with seasonal discounts during holidays like Christmas and New Year.

Where is the new Zoo Coffee café located in Kunming?

The flagship store is at Unit C1-8, Xingheyuan, Nanhua Fengqingyuan, Kunming. The brand plans to open more outlets in other commercial areas across the city.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Zoo Coffee’s Yunnan Vision

If Zoo Coffee follows through on using Yunnan beans, FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica is a great match: a washed, medium-roasted single origin from the Baoshan region, offering soft almond, chocolate, and a hint of plum acidity. For something fruitier and more complex, their 2013 Typica is a sun-dried classic with bright berries, caramel, and a tea-like finish. Both beans are approachable and ideal for exploring regional character. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.