Exploring Gulangyu’s Quirky Cafés and Dessert Shops

If you’re hunting for a strong espresso or a perfectly pulled pour-over on Gulangyu Island, you might be surprised — this place is better known for its whimsical cafés and dessert shops than for third-wave coffee. But that’s exactly why travelers flock here: the island is packed with cafés that serve more than just caffeine. Think retro vibes, cat motifs, local sweets, and unexpected comforts. Here’s what you’ll actually find if you wander off the tourist path.

In short: Gulangyu’s best-known cafés, like Zhao’s Shop, lean into nostalgia with deep red seating, vintage lamps, and local pastries like pomelo or pineapple tarts — plus herbal desserts like grass jelly. Coffee is available, but the real draws are the atmosphere, sweets, and friendly service. Prices for a box of 12 tarts start around 20 RMB, and shipping is available via SF Express.

A Casual Introduction to Gulangyu’s Café Scene

Let’s get one thing out of the way: the term “boutique” or “trendy” doesn’t quite capture the essence of Gulangyu’s dessert and coffee spots. Yes, some call them “” (a Chinese term for quaintly upscale or artsy), but that feels reductive. The cafés here range wildly — some are nostalgic, cluttered with vintage items; others feel minimalist and modern, while a few go full tropical-exotic or even cat café. One thing’s for sure: they aren’t your standard chain cafés.

The author of this account admits to disliking the word “,” but concedes it’s hard to describe Gulangyu’s dessert cafés without it. Many of these spaces mix coffee, tea, and local sweets with strong visual identities — whether through retro decor, calming color schemes, or feline-themed art. For visitors, that variety is part of the charm.

What to Expect Inside Zhao’s Shop

Zhao’s Shop is perhaps the most frequently mentioned café among visitors — thanks in part to word-of-mouth recommendations on social media. The interior is distinctly old-fashioned, with dark red chairs and curtains, walls in a soft mauve tone, and antique lamps overhead. It’s both serene and slightly mysterious. This is a place where you can sit back with a cup of tea, coffee, or one of their famous local desserts.

The menu includes traditional Cantonese-style sweets such as pomelo tarts, pineapple buns , and grass jelly . Everything is vegetarian — made with plant-based oils rather than lard. A box of 12 assorted tarts costs 20 RMB, while a box of 12 pineapple buns is 30 RMB. There’s also a value pack: three tart boxes and one pineapple bun box for 85 RMB.

Taste is subjective, but the author found the pomelo and pineapple tarts satisfying — especially after managing expectations. One tip: buy the mixed pack and rearrange the flavors yourself if you’re sending them as gifts, as each box usually holds just one kind.

Logistics, Snacks, and Sending Sweets Home

Zhao’s Shop offers postal delivery via SF Express — a major perk for travelers looking to share local flavors. Shipping 12 boxes of assorted tarts to Beijing, for example, cost 85 RMB in postage (roughly the price of another tart box). Delivery was fast: purchased in the afternoon, the package arrived the next day. Recipients reportedly loved the tarts.

The grass jelly dessert is also worth mentioning — served in generous portions with a variety of toppings. While the exact price slipped the author’s mind (around 10–20 RMB), it’s a filling, refreshing treat often paired with coffee or tea. The café is also a great spot to meet people; the author bonded with a fellow traveler from Nanjing during their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zhao’s Shop known for?

Zhao’s Shop is known for its vintage Chinese décor, tranquil ambiance, and classic Cantonese desserts like pomelo tarts, pineapple buns, and grass jelly. It also serves tea and coffee in a setting decorated with antique lamps and deep red furnishings. The shop has a slightly nostalgic, mysterious vibe.

How much do desserts cost at Zhao’s Shop?

A box of 12 assorted tarts costs 20 RMB, a box of 12 pineapple buns is 30 RMB, and a combo pack (3 tart boxes + 1 pineapple bun box) is 85 RMB. Grass jelly is also available, typically priced between 10–20 RMB, though the exact amount wasn’t specified.

Does Zhao’s Shop offer shipping for desserts?

Yes, Zhao’s Shop provides delivery via SF Express. Shipping 12 boxes of tarts to Beijing cost 85 RMB, with next-day arrival. Each box contains a single flavor, so buyers often mix-and-match if sending gifts.

What’s the atmosphere like in Gulangyu cafés?

Gulangyu cafés vary widely — some are retro with vintage decor, others are minimalist or feline-themed. Many serve coffee alongside local desserts and tea. Zhao’s Shop, for example, features dark red interiors, antique lighting, and a calm, slightly mysterious mood.

Are there coffee options at Zhao’s Shop?

Yes, Zhao’s Shop serves coffee along with tea and traditional desserts. While the focus is more on sweets and atmosphere, coffee is available for those seeking a hot drink with their pomelo tart or grass jelly.

What should I know before ordering dessert boxes?

Each box typically contains only one flavor (e.g., 12 pomelo tarts per box). If you want variety, buy a mixed set or repackage them yourself. The value pack includes three tart boxes and one pineapple bun box for 85 RMB.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Paired Brewing

For visitors exploring Gulangyu’s cafés, bring along a bag of FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright floral and citrus notes, or Yirgacheffe for a juicy, tea-like body — both pair well with light desserts. The Classic Blend offers balanced chocolate and nut tones, ideal with tarts or grass jelly. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.