How Ordos Built a Diverse Specialty Coffee Market

In 2005, the idea of sipping a $20+ espresso in Inner Mongolia’s Ordos might have seemed absurd. Fast-forward to today, and the city’s residents—especially its professionals and young adults—are regularly visiting cafés like Island Coffee and DIO Coffee, treating coffee not just as a drink, but as part of a modern lifestyle. What transformed Ordos from a city with little coffee culture into a growing hub for branded cafés and diverse coffee offerings?

Today, Ordos has at least four Island Coffee outlets, three Mingdian cafés, one Citilands Coffee, and one DIO Coffee location—all established within the last two years, reflecting a mature and expanding market.

A Slow Start: The First Branded Cafés Arrive

Coffee first gained a foothold in Ordos in 2005, when Island Coffee became the city’s first branded café, opening its flagship location in Dongsheng District’s Yili Huating. Wang Guangwei, head chef at Island Coffee Yili Huating and a veteran coffee maker, recalls that back then, coffee was still a novelty. “Four years ago, coffee was a fresh concept here. The market was immature,” he says. Since then, the city’s coffee scene has evolved rapidly.

More Choices, Higher Prices: What’s on Offer Now

Today’s Ordos coffee drinkers can choose from a broader menu. Prices have risen alongside variety: the most expensive Belgian-style coffee now costs ¥178 per pot (up from ¥100), while a basic cup of iced espresso or latte goes for around ¥30 (up from ¥20). DIO Coffee’s manager, Su Jiqiao, explains that beans imported from Africa and Yunnan are used to craft a range of styles, including Blue Mountain, Brazilian, Colombian, and flavoured options, with prices spanning ¥30 to ¥180 depending on preparation.

Mingdian Coffee, a Taiwanese brand with 1,000+ locations across China, has three shops in Ordos. “Our Dongsheng branch has been open for two years and is well-known locally,” says manager Liu Dongjun. “Most customers are professionals, families, or couples—people with higher income and education levels.”

Why Now? Youth, Income, and a Shift in Tastes

The real turning point came after 2005, when rising incomes and exposure to global media sparked a shift in lifestyle aspirations. “I saw characters in foreign shows enjoying coffee at work—it looked classy,” says office worker Wang Jieyu. “Coffee helps me unwind after a long day. It’s my way of finding peace and energy.”

Surveying cafés today, you’ll find mostly young adults: office workers, stylish couples, and students. “The older generation rarely comes here,” says Su Jiqiao. “They prefer tea.” Retiree Zhang Hui, 73, echoes this: “Tea aids digestion and improves circulation. I’ve never heard coffee does that.”

Liu Dongjun adds that while many older consumers remain unfamiliar with coffee, younger generations see it as a symbol of sophistication. “They view drinking coffee as a refined, cultured habit, emulating Western upper-class lifestyles.”

Business Realities: Slow Starts but Bright Prospects

Early cafés faced challenges. “Three years ago, our monthly sales at Island Coffee Yili Huating were around ¥150,000. Now, they’re higher,” says Wang Guangwei. But newer entrants like DIO Coffee, which opened in February, are still finding their footing. “Though we make ¥100,000+ monthly, we’re not yet profitable after covering rent, salaries, and utilities,” admits Su Jiqiao.

Despite slow starts, the outlook is optimistic. “There’s no real competition yet—each café has its own signature drinks,” says Su. “Our shared goal is to grow the market.” Liu Dongjun agrees: “As long as we focus on taste, food quality, ambiance, and service, the market will keep improving. We expect global brands to join Ordos soon.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first become popular in Ordos?

Coffee started gaining attention in Ordos around 2005, when Island Coffee became the city’s first branded café, marking the beginning of a shift in consumer habits and lifestyle aspirations.

Which coffee chains are currently operating in Ordos?

As of recent reports, Ordos hosts at least four Island Coffee outlets, three Mingdian cafés, one Citilands Coffee, and one DIO Coffee, all established within the last two years.

How have coffee prices changed in Ordos over time?

Coffee prices have risen significantly: the priciest Belgian-style coffee now costs ¥178 per pot (up from ¥100), while basic iced espresso or latte cups have gone from ¥20 to around ¥30.

Who makes up the majority of coffee drinkers in Ordos?

The primary coffee consumers are young adults—professionals, couples, and students—while older generations largely prefer tea and remain less familiar with coffee culture.

Are cafés in Ordos currently profitable?

Established cafés like Island Coffee report strong sales growth, but newer entrants such as DIO Coffee are still working toward profitability due to high upfront costs and slower customer adoption.

What kinds of coffee are available in Ordos cafés?

Ordos cafés offer a range of options, including Belgian-style, iced espresso, lattes, and imported single-origin styles like Blue Mountain, Brazilian, and Colombian, with prices between ¥30 and ¥180.