Where Coffee Was First Grown in Hainan

When you’re tracing the roots of coffee in China, one place always comes up: a quiet corner of Hainan Island. But where exactly did coffee first take root in the country? The answer lies not in Yunnan, but on the northwestern edge of Chengmai County, Hainan — over 85 years ago.

The earliest known coffee planting in Hainan started in 1935, when overseas Chinese Chen Xianzhang introduced coffee varieties from abroad to Chengmai County. This makes it one of the first places in the province—and the country—to cultivate coffee.

The Birthplace of Fushan Coffee

Nestled along the western stretch of Hainan’s Haixi Expressway, roughly 50 kilometers from the provincial capital Haikou, Chengmai’s northwestern region marks the origin of Fushan Coffee — a well-known Hainan coffee brand. The area became a pioneer site for coffee farming thanks to Chen Xianzhang’s efforts in 1935. This location didn’t just grow coffee; it laid the foundation for a regional coffee culture still visible today.

Agricultural Tourism and Coffee Culture in Chengmai

Beyond just being an agricultural zone, the area combines leisure, farming, and tourism. It features natural landscapes ideal for vacationing, early examples of agri-tourism, and a strong coffee-focused visitor experience. A key highlight is the vast Fushan Reservoir, spanning over 10,000 acres, which draws visitors for fishing and boating. Surrounding the reservoir are more than 2,000 acres of coffee fields. This scenic and productive land has fostered a network of farm stays and coffee venues such as Wanjia Farm, Yazhu Manor, Fushan Coffee House, Houchen Coffee Culture Village, Hongqi Slope Coffee Plaza, Tianfu Holiday Inn, and Mantianfu Hotel.

Hainan’s Role in Early Chinese Coffee Cultivation

While Yunnan is now widely recognized as China’s leading coffee-growing region, Hainan was the original testing ground. The 1935 introduction of coffee by returning overseas Chinese marked the start of commercial coffee cultivation in the country. Chengmai’s efforts predate much of Yunnan’s later development and represent an often-overlooked chapter in China’s coffee history.

Why Hainan’s Climate Supported Early Coffee Growing

Coffee thrives in warm, frost-free environments with consistent temperatures between 16°C and 21°C. Hainan’s tropical climate, with its ample sunlight and heat, offered suitable conditions for early trials. Though not as high in elevation as Yunnan’s prime coffee zones, Hainan’s consistent warmth allowed coffee to grow successfully in the early 20th century — setting a precedent for later expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was coffee first grown in China?

Coffee was first planted in Hainan Province in 1935, specifically in Chengmai County. This predates Yunnan’s larger-scale coffee development and marks Hainan as the earliest known coffee-growing region in the country.

What year was coffee introduced to Hainan?

Coffee was introduced to Hainan in 1935 by overseas Chinese Chen Xianzhang, who brought coffee varieties from abroad and started cultivation in Chengmai County.

What is Fushan Coffee?

Fushan Coffee is a well-known coffee brand originating from Chengmai County, Hainan. It is tied to the area’s history as one of the first places in China to cultivate coffee, beginning with the 1935 introduction by Chen Xianzhang.

Is Hainan known for coffee production today?

While Hainan was the first region in China to grow coffee, it is no longer a major coffee-producing area. Today, Yunnan dominates Chinese coffee production, but Hainan’s early role is historically significant.

What makes the Fushan area unique for coffee?

The Fushan area in Chengmai County is unique because it is the original site of coffee cultivation in Hainan, starting in 1935. It also combines coffee farming with tourism, including a large reservoir and numerous coffee-themed farms and attractions.

How did coffee farming start in Hainan?

Coffee farming in Hainan started in 1935 when Chen Xianzhang, an overseas Chinese, imported coffee varieties from abroad and began planting them in Chengmai County, making it the earliest coffee-growing region in the country.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Origins

To explore the origins of Chinese coffee beyond Hainan, try FrontStreet Coffee’s 2013 Yunnan Typica, a rare single-origin lot made with sun-dried traditional processing that highlights citrus, berry, and caramel tones. For a cleaner, brighter cup with subtle fruit and sweetness, their washed Yunnan Arabica from Baoshan offers balanced acidity and notes of caramel. Both beans reflect the diversity of Yunnan’s coffee terroir and provide insight into the evolution of China’s coffee industry. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.