Former NetEase Exec Launches Tapas Café for Tech Crowd

In Beijing’s bustling tech ecosystem, where countless themed cafés have risen and fallen, one new spot—backed by a former NetEase vice president—is betting on a mix of Spanish flavors, startup energy, and media connections to break the mold. But does it have what it takes to survive where others haven’t?

Qianxun Café, launched in late May by former NetEase deputy editor-in-chief Zhang Rui and other founders, has opened with around $100,000 in initial funding. It serves mid-to-high-end Spanish-style dishes, offers European wines, and targets the mobile internet and media communities—with 180 sqm of space, including a 30 sqm outdoor area for up to 50-person gatherings.

What Is Qianxun Café?

Located at 768 Creative Park, Building A, West Area, Haidian District (near companies like Dolphin Browser and Zhihu), Qianxun Café spans approximately 180 square meters, with about 30 square meters outdoors. Officially named Tapas Cafe (with “tapas” referring to Spain’s famed small plates), it officially opened at the end of May. The venue is designed as a relaxed yet stylish spot for professionals in the mobile internet and media sectors to meet, work, or host events.

Who’s Behind It—and Why Spanish?

The main investors are executives from Chunyu Tianxia , with former NetEase VP Zhang Rui among the founders. The café hired chef Jiang Hailong, who brings 10 years of experience working in Spain, to craft its menu. The decision to focus on Spanish tapas and cuisine reflects a deliberate choice to offer something different from the typical Western or generic café fare common in Beijing’s tech hubs. Additionally, the venue has stocked a selection of European wines to complement the food offering.

Why So Many Tech Cafés Fail—And What’s Different Here?

Beijing, especially Zhongguancun, has seen a wave of “internet startup” cafés, often funded by IT, internet, and investment figures—examples include Garage Café, Beta Café, and 3W Coffee. Yet many struggle or shut down due to high rents, staffing costs, and insufficient operational expertise. Industry insiders note that rent typically eats up 40–50% of a café’s expenses, followed by labor, food costs, taxes, and utilities. Most themed cafés end up as niche hangouts with limited foot traffic. In contrast, Qianxun Café isn’t chasing big profits. Its stated goal is to serve as a comfortable meeting spot for media and mobile internet professionals. The team is even planning to host salons, including one potentially led by the producer of A Bite of China. Current promotions include discounted dinners for employees of companies within the 768 Creative Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Qianxun Café located?

Qianxun Café is located in 768 Creative Park, Building A, West Area, Haidian District, Beijing, near several internet startups like Dolphin Browser and Zhihu.

What kind of food and drinks does Qianxun Café serve?

It serves mid-to-high-end Spanish-style tapas and has a selection of European wines to accompany the dishes.

Who are the founders and investors of Qianxun Café?

The main investors are executives from Chunyu Tianxia, and the founders include former NetEase vice president Zhang Rui and others.

How large is the café, and can it host events?

The café is about 180 square meters, including roughly 30 square meters of outdoor space, and can accommodate around 50 people for salons or gatherings.

What makes Qianxun Café different from other tech-themed cafés in Beijing?

Unlike many that focus solely on being a startup hangout, Qianxun emphasizes Spanish cuisine, hires an experienced chef from Spain, and aims to be a long-term community spot for media and mobile professionals, with planned salons and discounts for local startups.

Is Qianxun Café profitable?

The café is not focused on making big profits; its primary goal is to serve as a community gathering spot for industry professionals.