How This Ad Agency Also Runs a Coffee Shop

Most people dream of a job where playing feels like working—and getting paid for both. For a team of creatives in Guangzhou, that dream isn’t hypothetical. Inside a century-old building near the Huguang Guild Hall, an advertising agency has built a workplace that serves lattes alongside logos.

This hybrid space is part ad office, part coffee café. There are no assigned desks, no fixed hours, and definitely no punch cards. Just a sunny backyard, a coffee bar, and a team that shows up when inspiration (or deadlines) strike.

The Office That Serves Coffee

Co-founders Lao Xu and Lao He created Yangchi Advertising Media with one rule: work shouldn’t feel like work. Lao Xu, a decade-long ad veteran, hated clocking in daily. Lao He had long dreamed of opening a coffee shop. Their solution? Merge the two.

Their office has no traditional workstations. Instead, there’s a backyard bathed in sunlight and a coffee bar crafting drinks and snacks. Employees bring laptops, sip coffee, chat over ideas, and get things done—on their own schedule.

Why Traditional Offices Waste Time

“Before, we sat in the office all day whether there was work or not. It drained us and killed productivity,” Lao Xu explains. His partner Lao He adds that clients typically assign tasks after 6 PM, leaving daytime hours underused in a typical 9-to-5 setup.

Their “virtual team” model flips the script. Team members work remotely or drop in as needed. When deadlines loom, they huddle over coffee. When there’s slack, they travel, game at home, or staff the café themselves.

A Client-Favorite Workspace

Clients quickly grew fond of the space. “Once they visit, they treat it like their unofficial meeting room,” says team member Liu Yong. Many now request meetings here instead of their own offices.

Colleague Chen Jing notes that clients often sneak in to work alone, blending business with leisure. “Sitting in a coffee shop, away from corporate settings, sparks fresher ideas and more creative brainstorming,” she says.

The Rooftop Cinema Nook

Beyond the café, the office hides a secret: a rooftop cinema with tatami flooring. It hosts movie nights for guests and serves as an unconventional meeting spot for client presentations.

“It’s not just a gimmick. The relaxed vibe helps clients open up and teams think outside the box,” Lao Xu says. The space has become a key part of their creative process—and a talking point for impressed visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yangchi Advertising different from other agencies?

Yangchi combines an ad agency with a coffee café, eliminating fixed desks, office hours, and traditional hierarchies. Employees work remotely or on-site, using a coffee bar and backyard as their workspace. Clients often prefer meeting there over conventional offices.

Do employees have set working hours?

No. The “virtual team” model allows staff to work anytime, anywhere. They come in when needed, collaborate over coffee, and handle deadlines flexibly—there are no fixed shifts or 9-to-5 expectations.

What’s the role of the coffee bar in the office?

The in-house coffee bar serves drinks and snacks, fueling creativity and casual collaboration. It’s a central hub where employees and clients gather, chat, and work without the formality of a typical conference room.

How do they manage productivity without a structured office?

Team members self-manage their schedules, communicating digitally and meeting in person only when necessary. The relaxed environment and flexible setup help maintain focus and creativity without rigid oversight.

What’s the rooftop cinema used for?

The tatami-floored rooftop space hosts movie nights and informal client meetings. It’s designed to foster relaxed conversation and unconventional brainstorming, away from standard office settings.

Can clients just drop in to work there?

Yes. Many clients request to hold meetings or even work alone in the café space, appreciating the informal atmosphere that encourages creativity and open discussion.

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