Hangzhou Cafe Charges One Yuan for Clean Air

In the bustling heart of Hangzhou’s Wulin Road, where shops and eateries jostle for attention, one café has found an unusual way to stand out—not with a signature drink or Instagrammable decor, but with a one-yuan charge for something most people take for granted: clean air.

The answer is simple: Fantasy Café charges one yuan (about 14 cents) per person for air purification. With eight large commercial air purifiers running across its three floors, the fee covers just a fraction of the machines’ operational cost—but the real goal is awareness.

What’s Behind the One Yuan Air Fee?

Fantasy Café owner Zhu Ze introduced the “air purification fee” around February this year. Each table displays a pink tag stating “Air Purification Fee: 1 Yuan/Person.” While some customers were puzzled or even complained, others embraced the idea. The fee isn’t about profit—Zhu insists it doesn’t even cover costs. Each purifier costs 9,000 yuan, and electricity adds up. Instead, it’s a statement about valuing clean air and encouraging mindful habits.

Why Clean Air Matters in a Café Setting

Zhu, who hails from Lin’an in western Hangzhou—known for its mountain air—was inspired by a local tourism campaign that sold canned “Lin’an fresh air” for 10 yuan. Unlike that symbolic gesture, Zhu’s approach is practical. His café uses high-capacity purifiers to actively filter indoor air, creating a noticeably cleaner environment. Diners, especially families, have responded positively, citing the café as a “clean and tasty” spot for kids. Over time, even skeptics tend to accept the fee once it’s explained.

How the Café Built a Loyal Following Around Cleanliness

Beyond the air purifiers, Zhu runs his business with an obsession for cleanliness. He personally trains staff to scrub floors with towels and maintains exacting standards. That dedication extends beyond the café. He also operates a congee shop near West Lake, hiring elderly workers from his hometown. Most are over 60, and he offers them stable jobs, accommodation, and wages. The congee shop serves slow-cooked porridge reminiscent of “grandma’s home cooking,” and despite high rents, Zhu keeps it running as a social venture. He plans to open a guesthouse next, continuing his theme of blending business with community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the air purification fee at Fantasy Café?

The air purification fee is one yuan (approximately 14 US cents) per person. This fee is displayed on pink tags at each table and applies to all guests.

Why does Fantasy Café charge for air purification?

The fee is not meant to be profitable. Café owner Zhu Ze says it costs more to operate the purifiers than the fee brings in. The main goal is to raise awareness about the value of clean air and encourage customers to think about environmental quality.

What kind of air purifiers does the café use?

The café uses eight large commercial air purifiers, each costing 9,000 yuan. These are significantly bigger than standard home models and are spread across all three floors of the café.

How do customers react to the one yuan air fee?

Reactions have been mixed. Initially, some customers complained or even contacted local authorities. Over time, most have accepted it, especially regulars and families who appreciate the clean environment. Around one in 100 customers may still object, but staff explain the reasoning and most come around.

What other social initiatives has the café owner undertaken?

Zhu Ze also runs a congee shop near West Lake, where he employs elderly people from his hometown, mostly over 60 years old. He provides them with jobs, food, housing, and fair wages, aiming to improve their quality of life while serving traditional congee to customers.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Clean-Café Pairings

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