Ex-Yahoo China Editor Opens Media-Focused Café in Beijing

When former Yahoo China and NetEase journalist Zhang Rui left the newsroom in 2011 to launch a healthcare app, few expected him to return to the media world—this time through coffee. In late April, Zhang announced plans to open Qianxun Coffee in Beijing’s 768 Creative Park, targeting media professionals and mobile internet insiders with a space designed for conversation, not just caffeine.

Zhang Rui’s Qianxun Coffee will open by the end of May at 768 Creative Park in Beijing’s Haidian district. The 200-square-meter café, with 50 square meters of outdoor seating, will host regular salons for media and tech professionals, backed by an initial investment in the seven-figure RMB range.

What Is Qianxun Coffee?

Qianxun Coffee is a forthcoming café and event space co-founded by Zhang Rui, former Director of the Reporter Department at Jinghua Times and Vice President of NetEase, along with other investors. Located in Building A, West Area, Ground Floor of 768 Creative Park, the venue covers approximately 200 square meters indoors with around 50 square meters of outdoor seating. The upstairs portion of the building houses office space for startups, including nearby tech firms like Dolphin Browser developer Baina Technology.

Why Is Zhang Rui Launching This Space?

Zhang Rui, who has described himself as having a strong “media complex,” aims to recreate the collegial atmosphere of journalism and the mobile tech industry through Qianxun Coffee. As someone with deep roots in traditional and digital media—having served as a senior editor at one of China’s largest news portals—he intends the café to serve as both a social and professional hub. The first planned event is a salon gathering for influential media figures to share insights and network.

Where Is Qianxun Coffee and What’s Nearby?

The café is situated in 768 Creative Park, a well-known Beijing tech and design hub. Specifically, it occupies the ground floor storefront on the west side of Building A. The area is home to several IT startups, including Baina Technology, the company behind the Dolphin Browser. The total space is around 200 square meters, with roughly 50 square meters outdoors, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger events.

Who Is Backing This Project?

Zhang Rui is the face of the project, but it is backed by multiple shareholders. The initial funding is reported to be in the seven-figure RMB range, indicating a serious commitment beyond a typical neighborhood café. Zhang’s background includes leadership roles at major media organizations such as Jinghua Times and NetEase, where he worked until November 2011. After leaving NetEase, he co-founded healthcare app Spring Rain Doctor, which secured $3 million in Series A funding.

What’s the Plan for Qianxun Coffee?

The primary goal for Qianxun Coffee is to serve as a regular meeting point for media professionals and players in the mobile internet space. The first event scheduled will be a salon featuring well-known media figures who will give talks and foster discussion. Zhang envisions the café as a long-term hub for thought leadership and networking, rather than just a coffee shop. The space is currently under renovation and set to open by the end of May.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zhang Rui, the founder of Qianxun Coffee?

Zhang Rui is a former Director of the Reporter Department at Jinghua Times and Vice President of NetEase. He left NetEase in November 2011 to start Spring Rain Doctor, a healthcare app that later received $3 million in Series A funding. He has described himself as having a strong 'media complex.'

When will Qianxun Coffee open?

Qianxun Coffee is scheduled to open by the end of May 2014.

Where is Qianxun Coffee located?

The café is located in 768 Creative Park, specifically in Building A, West Area, on the ground floor. The park is a known technology and creative industry hub in Beijing.

How big is the Qianxun Coffee space?

The café covers approximately 200 square meters indoors, with an additional 50 square meters of outdoor seating area.

What kind of events will Qianxun Coffee host?

The café will host regular salon gatherings aimed at media professionals and mobile internet insiders, with the first event featuring influential speakers from the media industry.

Who is investing in Qianxun Coffee?

Qianxun Coffee is backed by multiple shareholders, including Zhang Rui. The initial funding is in the seven-figure RMB range.

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