Where to Find Chain Coffee Shops in China

If you’ve ever walked into a city café hoping for a quiet moment with your coffee—somewhere with good lighting, comfy seating, and just the right vibe—you’re not alone. But in many Chinese cities, the classic coffeehouse experience has shifted. Big-name Western chains have arrived, but so have homegrown Korean brands rethinking the café as a lifestyle hub. So where can you find these places—and what makes each one different?

In total, there are at least five well-established chain coffee shop brands operating across major Chinese cities, including both international players like Costa Coffee and local Korean-inspired concepts such as Café Bene and Maan Coffee. Each offers a distinct take on the café experience, from book-friendly wooden interiors to animal-themed spaces.

What Are Chain Coffee Shops in China Today?

Once dominated by brands like Two Rivers Coffee and Island Coffee—which have largely shifted toward casual dining—China’s urban coffee scene has evolved. In recent years, a new wave of chain cafés has emerged. These aren’t just places to grab a quick cup; they aim to slow down your day, whether you're meeting friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying the view. Many are designed as hybrid spaces: part café, part library, part lounge.

The Korean Café Invasion: Café Bene, Maan Coffee & ZOO Coffee

Several popular chain cafés in China originate from South Korea, bringing with them a distinct aesthetic and approach to café culture.

Café Bene

This Korean brand entered China in March 2012. Known in its home country as a go-to dating spot, Café Bene promotes a leisurely lifestyle. Its cafés feature wooden interiors, nearly raw wood tables, and bookshelves along one or more walls—ideal for reading over coffee. The brand favours a franchise model and has expanded to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Ningbo.

Maan Coffee

Founded by a Korean in China, Maan Coffee shares Café Bene’s love for natural wood and built-in bookshelves, but takes the concept further with larger, often two-storey steel-framed spaces. Every table includes a power outlet—a thoughtful touch for remote workers. Food offerings are similar to Café Bene’s. The brand is known for its attention to spatial design.

ZOO Coffee

Another Korean import, ZOO Coffee stands out with its animal-themed décor. Alongside rustic wooden elements, the cafés feature animal statues and a playful atmosphere, making it particularly family-friendly.

International Contenders: Costa Coffee & Pacific Coffee

Beyond the Korean brands, two major international chains have also made their mark in China’s metropolitan coffee landscape.

Costa Coffee

Founded in London in 1978, Costa entered the Chinese market in late 2006. It focuses on prime commercial districts, often situating stores right next to Starbucks. Costa positions itself slightly above Starbucks in price and product offering, appealing to customers looking for a more premium cup.

Pacific Coffee

Established in Hong Kong in 1992 by an American couple from Seattle, Pacific Coffee has changed ownership over the years and is now part of the China Resources group. It launched on the Chinese mainland in April 2011. Like Costa, Pacific Coffee tends to open near Starbucks and Costa outlets, mimicking their mall-based strategy. Its design language is comparable, though its scale remains smaller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Korean coffee chain was the first to enter China?

Café Bene was the first of the major Korean coffee chains to enter China, officially launching in March 2012. It introduced a leisure-focused café concept with wooden interiors and in-store bookshelves, and has since expanded to multiple major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

What makes Maan Coffee different from Café Bene?

Maan Coffee shares Café Bene’s rustic wooden design and bookshelf theme, but typically features larger, two-level steel-framed spaces. Additionally, every table at Maan Coffee includes a power outlet, and the brand places a stronger emphasis on interior spatial design and comfort.

Is ZOO Coffee suitable for families?

Yes, ZOO Coffee is considered family-friendly due to its animal-themed décor, which includes animal statues alongside its natural wood interiors. This makes it a popular choice for visitors with children.

How does Costa Coffee position itself against Starbucks in China?

Costa Coffee positions itself slightly above Starbucks in terms of pricing and product offering. It deliberately opens stores near Starbucks in high-traffic commercial areas, targeting customers who are looking for a more premium coffee experience.

Is Pacific Coffee part of a larger corporation?

Yes, Pacific Coffee, originally founded in Hong Kong by an American couple, is now owned by China Resources. It operates under a similar mall-based strategy as Starbucks and Costa, though its presence and store count remain smaller than those competitors.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café Browsing

For a slow café session inspired by these chain spots, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright and floral with citrus and stone fruit notes—or their PWN Golden Mandheling, a balanced Indonesian classic with deep body and hints of spice and dark chocolate. Both shine in pour-over or French press, perfect for lingering over pages or conversation. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.