Philosophy Graduates Open Cultural Café in Haining

In a small city like Haining, finding a quiet spot to read, reflect, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee without pressure isn’t easy—especially if you’re used to the relaxed intellectual atmosphere of Beijing’s hutong cafes. That’s exactly the gap a Haining-based couple wanted to fill.

The answer came in the form of a 1,000+ book, 900-DVD, 5,000-CD, and antique-teapot-filled café called Encore , created by a philosophy master’s graduate and his wife. Their goal? To build a local 'cultural living room' for Haining’s youth.

From Beijing’s Hutongs to Haining’s Streets

Yan Xiangzhong, born in 1982 in Haining’s Xiashi district, earned a bachelor’s degree in Chinese literature from Shaanxi Normal University before completing a master’s in philosophy at Capital Normal University. His wife Liu Dongmei, also around the same age and originally from Sichuan, studied Chinese literature at Beijing Normal University before joining Yan at Capital Normal for her own philosophy master’s. The two met and fell in love while immersed in Beijing’s academic and cultural scene.

“In Beijing, especially in old hutongs like Qianliang Lane, there were many unique cafés,” Yan said. “They weren’t large, but they were very quiet—you didn’t even have to order anything to enjoy reading or thinking.” He added that after graduating, he found similar 'leisure'-oriented cafés in cities like Hangzhou and Chengdu. Drawing on German philosopher Josef Pieper’s idea in Leisure: The Basis of Culture, Yan believes that such calm spaces encourage open-mindedness and deeper thought—something increasingly relevant for educated young people.

Designing a Space for Quiet and Connection

The couple moved back to Haining intending to create a similar atmosphere. After researching cafés in Hangzhou and analyzing Haining’s local culture, they designed the space themselves—from layout to decoration. They filled it with 200 personal books, 900 DVDs, 5,000 CDs, and even some rustic teapots from rural Haining. The result was Encore Café, a modest but warm spot on Haichang South Road in downtown Haining.

“We named it Encore, hoping it would be a place people want to return to,” Yan explained. The café features dividers made entirely of bookshelves, small reading lamps on each table, and—most notably—a brown kraft-paper guestbook under every lamp. Customers can write thoughts, feelings, or nothing at all. “You don’t have to order to stay,” Liu noted. “We’ll still give you a glass of water. You can read, chat softly, use the internet, listen to music, or write in the guestbook.” Smoking, however, is strictly banned.

A Space That Evolves with Its Visitors

The guestbooks quickly filled with raw, honest entries. One child wrote about a disappointing exam. Another anonymous visitor poured out feelings of longing and loss. A foreign visitor left a simple note: “Live secret place, relax, nice and beautiful.” Over time, the books and regulars helped shape a uniquely calm environment.

Early on, some visitors ignored the no-smoking rule, but the couple stood firm. “Building Haining’s first leisure-focused cultural café has had challenges,” Yan admitted. Still, he’s confident in the concept. With plans for film salons, personalized storage lockers (“book a little shelf”), and a growing collection of books, the couple aims to make Encore the cultural living room Haining’s youth deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Encore Café and where is it located?

Encore Café is a cultural-themed café located on Haichang South Road in downtown Haining, China. It was founded by a philosophy master's graduate and his wife, aiming to provide a quiet space for reading, music, and reflection.

Who are the founders of Encore Café?

The café was founded by Yan Xiangzhong, a philosophy master’s graduate from Capital Normal University, and his wife Liu Dongmei, who also holds a master’s in philosophy. Both previously studied in Beijing and were inspired by the city’s cultural cafés.

What makes Encore Café different from other cafés in Haining?

Unlike typical Haining coffee shops that focus on business or quick service, Encore Café emphasizes a quiet, book-filled environment. It includes over 200 books, 900 DVDs, 5,000 CDs, and personal touches like guestbooks and antique teapots. Smoking is not allowed.

What activities does Encore Café plan to host in the future?

The café plans to organize film salons, offer personalized storage shelves ("book a little shelf"), and continue expanding its book collection to foster a stronger community and cultural atmosphere.

Can you just sit and read at Encore Café without ordering anything?

Yes. You are not required to make a purchase. Staff will still offer you a glass of water. You can read, use the internet, write in the guestbook, or simply relax.

Why did the owners choose to open a cultural café in Haining?

Having experienced the calm, intellectual atmosphere of Beijing’s cultural cafés, they noticed a lack of similar spaces in Haining. With more educated young people moving to the city, they saw demand for a venue that supported quiet reflection and cultural exchange.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for a Cultural Café Vibe

For a café like Encore that values quiet reflection and cultural depth, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers bright floral and citrus notes with a crisp acidity—perfect for engaging conversation. Their Yirgacheffe brings juicy berry tones and a tea-like body, ideal for slow sipping. For something richer yet balanced, try their PWN Golden Mandheling, with its deep chocolate and nutty profile. All three highlight specialty coffee’s ability to complement thoughtful environments. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.