How a Coffee Shop Became a Hub for Youth Reading Dreams

Over the years, while serving as a judge in Shenzhen’s ‘My Chinese Dream’ essay competitions, I noticed a pattern: nearly all submissions focused on ancient history, legendary poets, or fantasy time-travel plots involving emperors and court ladies. The writing was polished, the references erudite—but the visions were stuck in the past. Hardly any students wrote about contemporary China, let alone imagined the China of 50 or 100 years ahead. Where were the dreams of today’s youth?

The answer is clear: too many young writers look backward instead of forward. If a nation’s imagination is anchored only in its past, where is its hope for innovation?

A Chance Encounter Over Coffee

In January of this year, a young science fiction writer and his father visited me after I judged a local contest. We met at a café in Shenzhen’s Central Book City. I had read the boy’s story beforehand and was impressed. I suggested his father take him to watch several American sci-fi films over the winter break—and then discuss them with me afterward. ‘We’re planting a seed today,’ I told the father. ‘In a few years, with the push for national creativity, we might see surprising results.’ When the father insisted on paying, I joked, ‘Call it my consultation fee.’

Conversations That Span Generations

Last year, I met Ms. Xue, a senior audit specialist from a top global accounting firm. A math graduate with overseas study experience, she shared my concern about youth fixated on the past. Through her, I connected with her father, Mr. Xue, and her teacher, Mr. Ding Qingnian—one of Ping An Insurance’s first five-star mentors. At a café in Qianhai, the four of us talked for three hours. Our conversation circled around three key issues in youth reading: whether they read at all, what they read, and how they read. We lamented the trend of fragmented reading among both teens and adults, and the lack of extracurricular reading. Mr. Ding argued for linking reading initiatives with life skills such as gratitude, financial literacy, and career planning. Mr. Xue stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage. I focused on bridging reading, writing, and creative thinking. Despite our different professions, our shared passion brought us together.

From Conversation to Action

That meeting led to a concrete plan: a ‘10-Year Youth Reading and Writing Action Plan.’ Our goals included promoting reading in schools, launching a ‘Reading Seed Project,’ and developing a ‘Shenzhen Youth Literature Excellence Program.’ Everyone contributed—some with funding, others with effort—all on a purely nonprofit basis. As Mr. Ding said, ‘If we don’t act now, when will we?’

A Website for Young Readers

On World Book Day (April 23), with the generous support of Hongling Education Group’s Principal Zhang Jian and technical assistance from a donor named Mr. Yin, we launched a reading website for primary and secondary school students. Our mission is simple: help young readers in Shenzhen understand what reading is, what to read, and how to read it. We want them to focus on the present and future, and to find meaning, knowledge, and wisdom through books.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked the idea for the youth reading initiative?

The idea grew from conversations over coffee with educators, parents, and professionals who were all concerned that Chinese youth were writing and reading mostly about the past, with little focus on contemporary or future themes. These discussions led to a shared commitment to inspire change.

Where did the meetings take place?

Key meetings happened in cafés in Shenzhen, including one in the Central Book City and another in Qianhai. These casual settings helped foster open and productive dialogue among people from different professional backgrounds.

What is the 10-Year Youth Reading and Writing Action Plan?

It is a long-term initiative comprising school-based reading promotion, a ‘Reading Seed Project,’ and a ‘Shenzhen Youth Literature Excellence Program.’ It aims to cultivate better reading and writing habits among young people through collaborative, nonprofit efforts.

How was the youth reading website created?

The website was launched on World Book Day with support from Hongling Education Group and a technical donor. It provides resources to help students explore what and how to read, encouraging engagement with present and future themes.

Why focus on reading and creativity together?

Creativity and critical thinking are essential for innovation. By linking reading and writing with imagination, life skills, and cultural understanding, the initiative aims to prepare youth for a rapidly changing future.

What role did coffee shops play in this initiative?

Cafés served as neutral, relaxed venues where diverse individuals could meet and collaborate. These meetings helped turn concerns about youth reading into actionable plans and community-driven projects.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Study & Creativity

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