How Two 80s-Era 'Tree Ladies' Opened a Unique Coffee Shop in Nanjing

Most people have dreamed of opening their own café—but few take the leap. In Nanjing, two very different women in their 30s did just that. Their shop isn’t your usual coffee spot. It’s part art gallery, part bakery, part stationery haven, and the first in the city dedicated entirely to original local postcards. And it all started with a shared love of travel, creativity, and caffeine.

In short: Two 80s-born women, nicknamed "Miss" and "" (Bread Tree), opened Miss Café in Nanjing’s Shanghai Road district. The café features over 100 original Nanjing-themed postcards, handmade cookies for ¥10 a pack, and a slow mail service that lets customers schedule letters for months—or years—in the future.

What Makes Miss Café Different From Other Coffee Shops?

Miss Café stands out immediately. Its entrance is decorated with a giant teddy bear on a swing, a house-shaped mailbox, and playful signage. Inside, the space is warm and literary, with fairy-tale fonts and fairy-lit corners. But what truly distinguishes it isn’t the décor—it’s the concept. This is Nanjing’s first original scenic postcard-themed café, blending coffee, art, and nostalgia into one experience.

The Story Behind the 'Tree Ladies' and Their Dream

Miss (real name undisclosed) is a photographer who spent two years traveling across Asia—including Japan, South Korea, Thailand—and most of China, except Tibet and Yunnan. Despite seeing many places, she says Nanjing remains her favorite. She and her business partner, Bread Tree, met while travelling. Both in their 30s, they bonded over their mutual dream of running a café. “We just wanted to chase our dream before getting too old,” Miss explains. The name? “Tree” symbolizes life, and their concept revolves around love, lifestyle, and adventure.

Original Art, Locally Made: The Postcard Collection

Step inside and you’ll face a full wall of original postcards. These aren’t mass-produced tourist souvenirs. Each image—whether of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Tomb, Confucius Temple, or Xuanwu Lake—was either shot by Miss or snapped by her photographer friends. The collection covers all major Nanjing landmarks. Every month, new images are added: February brings plum blossoms, March the violet blooms at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, April the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple, and so on. To ensure top quality, Miss tested over 20 paper types before choosing 350g imported kraft paper—thicker than the standard 300g. Each postcard sells for just ¥2. They’re popular with locals and foreigners alike, offering a fresh visual way to share Nanjing with the world. Customers can even send letters home with these beautiful local snapshots.

The Slow Mail Service: Send Letters to Your Future Self

Miss Café offers more than just coffee and postcards—it provides a nostalgic slow mail service. Patrons can choose exactly when their letter or postcard should be mailed: days, months, or even years later. It’s perfect for birthday surprises, anniversaries, or simply sending your current thoughts to your future self. Write a note today and receive it in a year—nostalgia delivered on time.

Beyond Coffee: Handmade Desserts Made to Order

The café’s other co-founder, Bread Tree, earned her nickname for her love of baking and her fondness for the novel Bread Tree Women by author Zhang Ailing. She whips up all the café’s desserts by hand. The bestsellers? Tiramisu with rich, authentic cheese flavor, and a range of custom-shaped cookies (hearts, dog bones, cats) that sell for ¥10 per bag. Though delicious, they’re made in limited batches—just one box per day. For larger orders, customers are advised to contact the shop via Weibo in advance. The café keeps things small-scale and personal, focusing on quality over quantity.

The Café’s Philosophy: It’s About Mood, Not Just Money

“We’re not here to build a business empire,” says Miss. “Right now, we’re in a steady growth phase, refining every detail. What we’re selling is mood, atmosphere, and a little bit of magic.” A handwritten sign on the wall lists the “Tree Lady House Rules,” including “Love yourself, love life” and a welcome message to guests. With plans to expand into a small chain and build a recognizable brand, Miss hopes to turn her little shop into a cultural touchstone for Nanjing’s creative coffee scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Miss Café located in Nanjing?

Miss Café is located in the Nanjing district of Shanghai Road, specifically in the South Show Street alley. Its quirky exterior with a large teddy bear swing and house-shaped mailbox makes it a standout spot for passersby.

What makes the postcards at Miss Café unique?

All postcards are original works, many photographed by Miss herself or her photographer friends. They feature iconic Nanjing landmarks such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Jiming Temple, printed on thick 350g imported kraft paper. The selection is updated monthly with seasonal imagery.

What is the slow mail service offered by the café?

The slow mail service allows customers to send letters or postcards on a future date of their choosing—ranging from days to several years ahead. It’s designed for special occasions or personal time capsules.

What baked goods are popular at the café?

The best-selling items are tiramisu with a rich cheese flavor and handmade cookies available in various shapes like hearts and cats. Cookies are priced at ¥10 per bag and made in limited daily batches.

Do they serve coffee at Miss Café?

Yes, while the article focuses on the postcards, desserts, and ambiance, the café does serve coffee as part of its offerings in a cozy, artsy setting.

Can I pre-order cookies or postcards?

Yes, for larger orders of cookies or specific postcard needs, customers are encouraged to contact the café via Weibo for pre-orders or custom arrangements.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café Culture Lovers

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