Tsinghua Alumni Launch 40-Cafe Coffee Chain in China

In a rare fusion of legal services and specialty coffee, two graduates of China’s prestigious Tsinghua University have launched a national chain of coffee shops designed to serve lawyers—starting with a flagship in Qingdao. The new 'Yingke Ainie Coffee Shop' isn't just a café: it's part of a broader plan to bring high-quality Yunnan-grown coffee into the heart of professional workspaces. This partnership brings together decades of experience in both law and coffee cultivation, aiming to reshape how professionals interact with their daily brew.

By the end of 2015, the collaborators plan to have opened 40 Yingke Ainie coffee shops across major Chinese cities, starting with simultaneous launches in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in July. The rapid rollout combines Yingke Law Firm’s office locations with Ainie Coffee’s roasting and café operations.

The Founders Behind the Chain

This venture pairs Liu Minghui, founder of Yunnan-based Ainie Coffee and known as the 'China Coffee Cowboy' for pioneering Yunnan coffee exports in the 1990s, with Mei Xiangrong, founder of the global Yingke Law Firm. Both are Tsinghua alumni, and this marks their first collaborative project. Liu has dedicated nearly 30 years to coffee, from farming to branding, while Mei leads one of Asia’s largest legal practices.

Ainie Coffee’s Roots in Yunnan

Ainie Coffee has spent 30 years developing a fully integrated coffee operation in Yunnan. The company manages everything from planting and processing to roasting and retail. Their coffee farms, including the sustainable, organic-certified Mannzhongtian Estate, produce beans that hold certifications from Rainforest Alliance, EU Organic, China Organic, Starbucks CP, and the Pu’er Coffee Capital Origin. Liu’s personal goal has been to prove that China can grow world-class coffee.

The Lawyer Café Concept

The Yingke Ainie Coffee Shops are designed to integrate into Yingke’s network of law firm offices across China’s major cities. The first location opened in Qingdao, with plans to expand into Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in July. The long-term strategy targets 40 locations by the end of 2015, situating quality coffee directly within professional environments. The cafés will serve Ainie’s own roasted coffees, including organic options sourced from their Yunnan estates.

National Rollout Strategy

The strategic partnership leverages Yingke’s presence in 27 domestic offices and 27 international locations across cities like New York, London, Milan, and Verona. Ainie Coffee brings its established e-commerce and retail channels, including platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and physical locations in Yunnan airports, Shanghai supermarkets, and organic stores in Guangzhou and Wuhan. The rollout begins with four flagship cities in July and expands rapidly to meet the 40-shop target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the founders of Yingke Ainie Coffee?

Liu Minghui, founder of Ainie Coffee and a pioneer in exporting Yunnan coffee internationally, and Mei Xiangrong, founder of the Yingke Law Firm. Both are Tsinghua University alumni, and this is their first joint business venture.

How many Yingke Ainie Coffee Shops are planned?

The partners aim to open 40 locations across China by the end of 2015, starting with launches in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in July, following the inaugural shop in Qingdao.

Where is Ainie Coffee’s coffee grown?

Ainie Coffee sources its beans from its own farms in Yunnan, including the Mannzhongtian Estate, which uses sustainable and organic farming practices. The coffee holds multiple certifications, including Rainforest Alliance and EU Organic.

What makes this coffee shop different from others?

Yingke Ainie Coffee Shops are located within or near Yingke Law Firm offices, targeting a professional clientele. The concept integrates high-quality Yunnan coffee into workplace environments, combining legal services spaces with specialty coffee retail.

Does Ainie Coffee have its own retail channels?

Yes, Ainie Coffee sells its products online via Tmall, JD.com, 1, and WeChat Mall, and offline through locations in Yunnan airports, Shanghai supermarkets, and organic retailers in Guangzhou and Wuhan.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Yunnan

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan offerings like the Yunnan Honey Process or Yunnan Washed—both highlight the terroir of China’s Yunnan region with distinct fruity and clean profiles. These beans reflect the same growing regions and sustainability focus as those used by Ainie Coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.