China’s First Public Cafe Run by People With Intellectual Disabilities

In a quiet corner of downtown Dalian, a small cafe is doing something few others have dared: giving people with intellectual disabilities real jobs, real customers, and a real place in society. Youlan Cafe isn’t just serving coffee—it’s redefining inclusion, one cup at a time.

Opened on August 12, 2023, in Zhongshan District, Dalian, Youlan Cafe is China’s first public café primarily staffed by individuals with intellectual disabilities. Out of 18 employees, most are neurodivergent, performing tasks like cleaning, serving, and greeting guests with care and commitment.

What Is Youlan Cafe?

Youlan Cafe occupies over 600 square meters across three floors in a building provided rent-free by a benefactor. Though it looks like an ordinary café—with tables, chairs, and a relaxed vibe—it’s also the physical home of the Dalian Intellectual Disability Activity Service Center. The dual identity is symbolized by the two signs hanging side by side at the entrance: one for the cafe, the other for the nonprofit center.

The center offers recreational activities, emotional support, physical training, and skill-building programs for dozens of individuals with intellectual challenges. The cafe functions as both a workplace and a social hub, where the staff—many of whom have conditions such as Down syndrome—carry out daily duties with sincerity and visible pride.

Why This Cafe Matters

Before Youlan, few public spaces in China employed people with intellectual disabilities in visible, customer-facing roles. The cafe emerged from a charitable initiative led by the Dalian Youth Development Foundation, which established the Youlan Fund to back the project. The name “Youlan,” meaning “Orchid,” reflects the hope that these individuals, often overlooked, can still bloom beautifully in society.

The interior reinforces this mission. Handwritten “special introductions” by the young staffers sit atop coffee tables. A prominent wall quote reads: “We are ‘one-winged angels’ who came from heaven. Though we lost our wings on the way, we still dream of flying.” Bookshelves display issues of China Disabled Persons’ Magazine, and a heartfelt letter to guests acknowledges their “broken wings” but reaffirms their dreams.

Who Works There?

The cafe’s manager is 24-year-old Su Fang, who has Down syndrome. Fond of being called “Su Zong” (General Su), he lives on-site and treats the business as his own. His journey—from aspiring Special Olympics champion to cafe manager with dreams of a concert and helping others—is a testament to what’s possible with determination. He embodies the cafe’s deeper purpose: proving that disability does not mean inability.

Other team members include Wang Xin, known for his resourcefulness—he collects old newspapers and bottles to sell, and used his first paycheck to buy his grandfather a cake. Su Fang, Wang Xin, and their colleagues take their roles seriously, dressing uniformly and striving to offer warm, patient service. Many customers have noted their earnestness and sincerity.

Community Support and Impact

Youlan Cafe didn’t build its warm atmosphere alone. A local piano school donated a piano, now used for regular music lessons. Local artists contributed paintings that adorn the walls. Donations have included a pool table, a printer, and even daily necessities like rice and flour. A stranger designed the cafe’s mascot, and musicians composed a song, “Angel Baby,” for the staff.

The community response has grown over the cafe’s eight months in operation. What began with awkward customer encounters has transformed into regular visits from families, volunteers, and even those wanting to work as baristas. The cafe has hosted four “birthday celebrations,” where parents, children, and intellectually disabled youths cook dumplings, play games, and bond—often ending in tears of connection. One local remarked, “These children need emotional support, understanding, and inclusion. This cafe provides that space.”

Su Fang’s colleague, Xin Hongbo—one of the few non-disabled staff—runs the espresso and milk tea station. He describes his coworkers as pure, happy, and infectiously joyful. “They’re truly joyful. Being with them makes me happy too,” he says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Youlan Cafe located?

Youlan Cafe is located in Zhongshan District, Dalian, China. It operates within a 600-square-meter space shared with the Dalian Intellectual Disability Activity Service Center.

How many employees with intellectual disabilities work at the cafe?

Out of 18 total staff members, most are individuals with intellectual disabilities. The exact number is not specified, but they form the majority of the team.

What kinds of tasks do the employees perform?

Employees help with cleaning, serving customers, greeting guests, and other daily cafe operations. Some also participate in music lessons and other activities organized by the center.

Who funds and supports the cafe?

The Dalian Youth Development Foundation established the Youlan Fund, which initiated and supports the project. Much of the physical space and equipment is donated by the community.

Has the community response to the cafe been positive?

Yes. While early customers were sometimes uneasy, over time the cafe has become a beloved local spot. Families, volunteers, and patrons now regularly visit, volunteer, and participate in events like birthday celebrations.

What is the name of the cafe manager with Down syndrome?

The manager is 24-year-old Su Fang, who prefers to be called “Su Zong.” He lives at the cafe and is deeply committed to its success.

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