Starbucks Timeline: China Expansion from 1999

If you’ve ever wondered how Starbucks went from a single Beijing café to nearly 1,000 stores across China, this timeline has the answer. We’ve pulled every major milestone — from that first store opening to the launch of local support hubs and signature blends — into one chronological account.

In short: Starbucks opened its first China store in Beijing in 1999, launched its first Golden Roast coffee and support center in Yunnan by 2012, and now operates over 900 cafés in 60 Chinese cities. Below is the full breakdown.

The Global Story: From Seattle to IPO

It all started in 1971, when the original Starbucks opened in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, focusing solely on selling coffee beans. In 1982, Howard Schultz joined as director of retail operations and marketing. Five years later, in 1987, Schultz acquired the company and opened the first store selling brewed, filtered coffee drinks. The company went public in 1992 on the NASDAQ stock exchange, marking a new phase of global growth.

Entry into China: First Stores in Beijing & Shanghai

Starbucks officially entered mainland China in January 1999, opening its first store in Beijing’s China World Trade Center. Just a year later, in 2000, the brand expanded to Shanghai. By 2005, the Greater China regional support center was established in Shanghai, helping coordinate operations across the market.

Growth, Local Products & Coffee Cultivation

Starbucks began selling seasonal merchandise and Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes across China in 2007. Its 10th anniversary in the country was celebrated in 2009 with the release of the Feng Wu Xiang Yun (Flying Dragon Phoenix Phoenix) coffee blend. The following year, 2011, saw the introduction of Starbucks Gold Roast coffee and a high-quality espresso machine. In 2012, the company established its first coffee cultivation support center in Asia, located in Pu’er, Yunnan, and also debuted its first Coffee Master store in Beijing. By this time, it had built a significant presence across the country.

China Presence Today

As of the latest data, Starbucks operates over 900 stores in 60 Chinese cities. This includes long-established markets like Beijing and Shanghai as well as newer locations across the country. The Pu’er support center plays a key role in working with local coffee farmers, reflecting Starbucks’ long-term investment in Chinese coffee agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Starbucks first open in China?

Starbucks opened its first store in China in January 1999, located in Beijing’s China World Trade Center.

What was the first Starbucks store in mainland China?

The first Starbucks store in mainland China was in Beijing, which opened in January 1999.

When did Starbucks launch its Golden Roast coffee?

Starbucks introduced its Golden Roast coffee in 2012, the same year it opened its first Coffee Master store in Beijing.

Where is Starbucks’ coffee cultivation support center in China?

Starbucks’ first coffee cultivation support center in Asia is located in Pu’er, Yunnan, and was established in 2012.

How many Starbucks stores are there in China?

As of the latest update, there are over 900 Starbucks stores operating in 60 Chinese cities.

What special product did Starbucks launch for its 10th anniversary in China?

For its 10th anniversary in China in 2009, Starbucks released the Feng Wu Xiang Yun (Flying Dragon Phoenix Phoenix) coffee blend.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Starbucks Fans

FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral notes, echoing the light roasts often preferred in specialty cafes—similar to early Starbucks Golden Roast inspirations. For a deeper experience, try FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling with its sweet caramel and nutty profile, reflecting the roasted foundation of Starbucks’ classic espresso blends. Finally, the FrontStreet Yirgacheffe delivers vibrant berry and jasmine tones, ideal for those who appreciate the fruit-forward side of third-wave coffee that evolved alongside Starbucks’ global expansion. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.