How a College Graduate Built a 3-Shop Coffee Chain Before Turning 23

Most college grads scramble for jobs—but Zheng Qibin had already opened three coffee shops. By age 23, this Guangdong native and Guangdong University of Finance and Economics graduate launched a youth-led coffee brand with locations in Foshan and Guangzhou. His journey began not with espresso machines, but with late-night cocktail-shaking and a determination to turn a dream into reality.

Zheng Qibin co-founded the coffee chain "Actions" (formerly "") by age 23, opening three shops—including two on university campuses—with his team. Their first location, a 260-square-meter café at his school in Sanshui, was self-funded, self-designed, and self-built over a summer.

The Pub That Led to Coffee

Everything started in 2010 when Zheng arrived at Guangdong University of Finance and Economics. He quickly joined a student group called "Rongqi" , meaning "gather talented people," founded by his senior Wu Zhiwei. The team’s motto—'one can walk fast, but a group goes further'—resonated. By 2011, Zheng became team leader. That May, they opened a 20-square-meter student pub, where Zheng mixed 60–70 cocktails some nights until 4 a.m., even borrowing ice from a nearby bubble tea shop. The pub’s success planted seeds for what came next.

In 2011, the team entered a business competition with an early coffeehouse idea. They cited three reasons: no on-campus café, strong market demand, and a desire to merge coffee culture with Chinese traditions. Though just undergrads from a non-elite school, Zheng’s team won a provincial bronze in the Challenge Cup and later a gold in 2014, advancing to nationals.

Building the First Shop—With No Experience

Finding a location proved tough. After failed attempts, they targeted a vacant café space in their university library. But challenges followed: no funding, no experience, and no contacts. Zheng and two co-founders lobbied school leaders relentlessly, surviving on just ¥11 at one point (enough only for three bottles of eight-treasure porridge and 50 cents). After six months, the school relented and leased them the site.

Next came money. The 260㎡ space needed ¥150,000 upfront. They sold their pub, crowdfunded, took loans, and pulled together the capital. With no design or construction background, the team studied space-planning books, consulted local firms, then DIY’d much of the fit-out. Wearing flip-flops and tank tops, they measured, sanded, built cabinets (learning styles from a book), and hauled materials through a sweltering summer. By November 2012, their first coffee shop—dubbed "the first butterfly"—opened in Sanshui.

Growing the Brand on Campus

Each new location stayed small—50 to 100㎡—and carried unique touches. One used handwritten chalkboard menus (hand-drawn by Zheng), another added a reading nook with children’s books, toys, and plants. All were staffed by passionate post-90s employees, some sent for barista and management training.

Zheng balanced his venture with studies, even earning scholarships. Though his parents, both government workers, initially wanted a stable career, they came around after seeing his commitment. "Since you’ve decided, do it well," his father told him. "Failure isn’t the worst thing—lack of focus is."

The brand, whose English name “Actions” reflects their mantra "act decisively," aims to become China’s leading campus coffee chain. Their logo—a butterfly—symbolizes transformation. "From egg to flight, it’s hard," Zheng says. "But we never gave up, because this is our dream." Their story may soon become a short film to inspire other young entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Zheng Qibin when he opened his first coffee shop?

Zheng Qibin was 21 years old when his team opened the first "Actions" coffee shop in November 2012 at Guangdong University of Finance and Economics’ Sanshui campus. He was still a university student at the time.

How many coffee shops did Zheng Qibin open by age 23?

By age 23, Zheng Qibin and his team had opened three coffee shops: two in Guangzhou and one in Foshan, including locations on university campuses.

What was Zheng Qibin’s first business before coffee?

Before entering the coffee industry, Zheng Qibin and his team opened a 20-square-meter student pub in May 2011, which became a local hit and helped fund their later coffee ventures.

Did Zheng Qibin have any professional coffee or design training before opening his shops?

No, Zheng Qibin and his team had no formal training in coffee or design. They taught themselves design by studying books, consulted local firms, and built much of the first shop themselves, including cabinetry and layout.

How did Zheng Qibin fund his first coffee shop?

Zheng funded the first shop by selling their previous pub, taking loans, crowdfunding from supporters, and receiving financial help from family and friends. The initial investment for the 260㎡ Sanshui location was ¥150,000.

What is the English name and meaning of Zheng Qibin’s coffee brand?

The English name of the brand is "Actions," which reflects the meaning "act decisively" or "take action," aligning with their philosophy of commitment and follow-through.

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