Xi’an’s Most Parisian Café: Auvers Coffee Story

Ever imagined owning a coffee shop where every day feels like a scene from a Parisian film—serving rich espresso, freshly baked cakes, and listening to customers share their stories? For many, that dream feels far away. But in Xi’an, a French-educated couple made it real inside a little café that could pass for a Left Bank salon.

In 2013, Lü He and Zhang Xiaoqing opened Auvers Coffee in Xi’an, bringing five years of French café life back home. Their goal? To create an authentic French-style coffeehouse in inland China, serving real Italian espresso and homemade French desserts.

The French Café Dream Begins in Xi’an

Zhang Xiaoqing and Lü He met and fell in love while studying in France in 2007. They spent over five years immersed in French culture, where café life became a daily ritual. “We wrote papers, studied for exams, and hung out with friends—all in cafés,” Zhang said. “Back in Xi’an, we noticed lots of cafés, but most were Korean or American style. We wanted to bring the real French café feeling here.”

In December 2012, they returned to China and poured all their energy into opening their own spot. They handled everything themselves: finding the right location, designing the space, and overseeing the renovation. By July 2013, Auvers Coffee opened its doors on Fengcheng 6th Road.

A True Taste of France in Xi’an

Stepping into Auvers Coffee is like wandering into a French country house. The sage-green walls, floral decorations, and European artwork set the tone. Upstairs, a crystal chandelier, oil paintings, and comfy sofas make the second floor feel like a Parisian living room. “We wanted every detail to echo a classic French café,” Zhang explained.

The couple bake all the pastries themselves. Zhang handles the desserts, while Lü He crafts the coffee. “Our coffee beans, cake ingredients, and recipes are all from France,” she said. That authenticity has attracted international visitors too. “A Scottish lady loves my tiramisu and comes often,” Zhang shared.

Cultural Touches Beyond the Coffee

Auvers Coffee isn’t just about drinks and sweets—it’s a cultural space. The walls display art and posters collected during their time in France, including a souvenir from a paper museum in Marseille that illustrates how Chinese papermaking techniques reached Europe.

On their Weibo page, Zhang shares French music, films, and cultural trivia. She explains local signs like the “tabac” (tobacco) symbol—a carrot-shaped sign indicating tobacco sales—and warns that indoor smoking is illegal in France, even without posted signs. She also highlights the Euro Millions lottery sign, a blue four-leaf clover, where you can buy tickets with your coffee.

What Makes Auvers the Most ‘French’ Café in Xi’an

Beyond the décor and treats, the café offers a full French coffee experience. Lü He prepares Italian-style espresso using beans and techniques learned in France. While they don’t specify the current beans in use, they aim for balanced espressos that work well with milk—similar to classic blends with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Zhang and Lü He plan to host more cultural events to strengthen the café’s role as a hub for locals drawn to French culture.

“It’s been hard work, but with family support, we’re keeping the dream alive,” they said. Their long-term vision? To make Auvers Coffee a gathering place for both Xi’an locals who love France and French expats in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Auvers Coffee located in Xi’an?

Auvers Coffee is located on Fengcheng 6th Road in Xi’an. The café is known for its classical French interior design and authentic European atmosphere.

Who owns and runs Auvers Coffee?

Auvers Coffee is owned and operated by Lü He and Zhang Xiaoqing, a married couple who met and lived in France for over five years. They returned to Xi’an in 2012 to open the café.

Do they serve Italian espresso at Auvers?

Yes, Lü He prepares Italian-style espresso at Auvers Coffee. Although the current beans aren’t specified, the couple aims for balanced espressos suitable for milk drinks, similar to classic blends with chocolate, nut, and caramel notes.

What kind of pastries are served?

Zhang Xiaoqing bakes all the pastries herself, including a popular tiramisu loved by regulars. All desserts are made using recipes and ingredients brought from France.

Does the café have cultural activities?

Yes, Zhang shares French music, films, and cultural insights on the café’s Weibo. The couple plans to host more cultural events to build a community around French culture in Xi’an.

What makes Auvers Coffee different from other cafés in Xi’an?

Auvers stands out for its authentic French interior, homemade French desserts, Italian espresso, and cultural elements like French signage explanations and imported art, creating a true Parisian café experience in Xi’an.

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