76 Wuhan University Alumni Co-Own a Campus Café

Near the west gate of Wuhan University, a mural of an old city wall isn’t just street art—it’s the emblem of a unique coffee shop. This is LuoJia Alumni Coffee, a place that’s drawing more than just caffeine seekers. Opened by 76 former students of Wuhan University, it’s part café, part community hub, and entirely fueled by shared memories and mutual investment.

Yes, 76 Wuhan University alumni each contributed 10,000 RMB (about $1,400) to launch this café. They handpicked every shareholder through interviews, seeking people ‘fun, dedicated, and grounded.’ The result? A campus-adjacent coffee shop where every cup carries a story.

How 76 Alumni Crowdsourced a Café

The idea started in Beijing. In November 2022, 74 Wuhan University grads opened 'LuoJia Coffee' near Nanluoguxiang. One of them, Qi Yong—a 34-year-old with businesses in Wuhan—dreamed of doing the same back home. He floated the idea to fellow founder Yu Donglei, then posted a plan on social media in late November 2022. By mid-December, over 100 people applied. Qi interviewed each one, including candidates abroad, focusing on personality, commitment, and mindset. In the end, 76 were chosen.

A Coffee Shop with Legacy Built In

The café sits in a space once run by Wang Yuhong, a former Wuhan University economics lecturer. She sold it to the group in December 2022, moved by their passion. Since reopening, foot traffic and sales have both risen. 'It’s a completely different coffee shop,' Wang says. She still visits and beams at its success. The location, right by the university’s west gate, was key—familiar and central for alumni and students alike.

Global Gifts and Local Love

From day one, alumni rallied around. Since soft-launching on January 11, 2023, the café has been flooded with support. Founder Yuan Wenkui and Qi Yong donated book sales to the café. Alumnus Ye Mang sent ten copies of his book The Biography of Liu Daoyu. Yao Dan delivered ten oil paintings featuring landmarks like the university’s old library and cherry blossom lane. Even before opening, packages arrived from around the world—wine, tea, coffee beans, music, books—some without return addresses.

Wang Huabin, now based in Brazil, heard about the project from a former classmate. A 2008 Wuhan University business grad, he’d always wanted to open a coffee shop. 'This could be a spiritual home for Wuhan University people,' he says. Though far away, he offered to source Brazilian coffee beans for the group. He plans to bring some back during Chinese New Year for everyone to try. 'If we’re doing coffee, let’s do it right—and make it the best-smelling cup possible.'

Frequently Asked Questions

How many alumni invested in LuoJia Alumni Coffee?

Seventy-six Wuhan University alumni each invested 10,000 RMB to co-own the café. They were selected from over 300 applicants through a personal interview process emphasizing personality, dedication, and the right mindset.

Where is LuoJia Alumni Coffee located?

The café is located near the west gate of Wuhan University, in a space previously operated by a former lecturer. Its iconic mural of an old city wall serves as a recognizable landmark.

What kind of support did the alumni provide beyond money?

Alumni donated books, artwork, and other goods. Some sent international packages including coffee beans, wine, tea, and music. A shareholder in Brazil plans to bring Brazilian coffee beans back for the group to sample.

Who were the founders behind the idea?

The original concept came from Qi Yong, one of 74 Wuhan University graduates who founded 'LuoJia Coffee' in Beijing. He collaborated with fellow founder Yu Donglei and later launched the Wuhan version with local alumni.

How did they choose the 76 shareholders?

Qi Yong conducted individual interviews, including remote ones, focusing on whether candidates were 'fun, willing to contribute, and had the right attitude.' From over 300 interested individuals, 76 were selected.

Has the café been successful since opening?

Yes, since reopening under alumni management, the café has seen increased foot traffic and sales. Former owner Wang Yuhong, now a shareholder, reports the change has been noticeably positive.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Alumni Cafés

For a café steeped in nostalgia and community, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—perfect for lively alumni chats. Pair it with Yirgacheffe, known for its lemony acidity and stone fruit sweetness, ideal for early-morning catch-ups. Both beans highlight the craft and care that mirror the spirit of LuoJia Alumni Coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.