Ningxia’s First Garage-Style Startup Coffee Hub Launches

In China’s northwestern Ningxia region, where entrepreneurial resources can be scarce, eight young teams now work daily inside a 600-square-foot coffee shop—without ordering expensive lattes. Instead, a simple ¥10 coffee or free water buys them access to shared desks, private studios, and a built-in network of startup supporters. This is not your typical café.

The answer to "How is Ningxia building its own version of Beijing’s famed Garage Café?" is simple: a locally founded coffee shop called (Bisheng Startup Coffee), which opened April 1 this year. For the cost of a ¥10 coffee—or nothing at all—entrepreneurs get full access to 600 square feet of coworking space, including shared tables, seven private studios, four meeting rooms, and a 50-person multi-use hall.

What Is Ningxia’s 'Garage Coffee'?

Ningxia’s take on the famed Beijing Zhongguancun Garage Café is called (Bisheng Startup Coffee). Modeled directly after the original, which became a hub for internet startups, Bisheng transforms a coffee shop into a shared office for student and young entrepreneurs. The concept is straightforward: pay for a cup of coffee—¥10—or bring your own water, and you gain access to a full suite of coworking resources. This model lowers the barrier for entry into the startup world, especially for those without funding or office space.

Who Created It and Why?

The project was founded by several graduates from North Minzu University in Yinchuan, who were inspired after visiting Beijing’s original Garage Café. Recognizing a need for affordable workspace and community in Ningxia, they pooled resources and opened Bisheng Startup Coffee on April 1. The founding team wanted to create a physical space where aspiring entrepreneurs could meet, collaborate, and access potential investors and mentors—all centered around the familiar, low-pressure environment of a coffee shop.

What Does the Space Actually Offer?

The 600-square-meter facility (approximately 600 square feet) includes:

• An open-plan workspace seating up to 100 people
• Seven individual private studios
• Four dedicated meeting or negotiation rooms
• A 50-person multi-function hall for events or presentations

Startups can work here for the price of a ¥10 coffee or free water. Currently, eight resident startup teams use the space regularly. The layout is designed to foster collaboration while providing the privacy needed for sensitive business discussions.

How Does It Support Entrepreneurs?

Beyond offering low-cost office space, Bisheng serves as a bridge between startups and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. The café environment attracts investors, corporate partners, and service providers who are looking to connect with early-stage teams. By gathering everyone in one approachable place—over coffee—Bisheng helps founders network, pitch ideas, and find collaborators or mentors without the formality of a traditional business incubator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bisheng Startup Coffee?

Bisheng Startup Coffee is a coffeehouse-based entrepreneurial hub in Yinchuan, Ningxia, created by university graduates. Modeled after Beijing’s Garage Café, it offers a 600 sq ft space with shared and private work areas where entrepreneurs can work for the cost of a ¥10 coffee or free water.

Where is Bisheng Startup Coffee located?

It is located within the 801 Entrepreneurship Incubation Park at North Minzu University, near Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.

How much does it cost to use the workspace?

Entrepreneurs can use the open workspace for as little as ¥10 for a coffee or even for free if they bring their own water. The space is designed to minimize financial barriers for student and young entrepreneurs.

What facilities are available at Bisheng?

The facility includes a 100-person open-plan workspace, seven private studios, four meeting rooms, and a 50-person multi-function hall, all supporting collaborative and private work needs.

Who can use Bisheng Startup Coffee?

The space is primarily aimed at university students and young entrepreneurs in Ningxia with startup aspirations. Currently, eight resident startup teams regularly work from the location.

Why was Bisheng Startup Coffee created?

It was founded by graduates of North Minzu University who wanted to replicate the success of Beijing’s Garage Café. They saw a need for a low-cost, community-oriented workspace to support local entrepreneurship in Ningxia.