How Coffee Came to China: A Short History

You’ve sipped your pour-over, appreciated your espresso, maybe even explored natural vs. washed processing—but have you ever wondered when coffee first arrived in China, and how it became part of daily life here? Unlike tea, which has deep roots in Chinese culture, coffee is a relative newcomer. Yet its journey into the country holds surprising twists, colonial ties, and a legacy that’s still growing.

Coffee was first introduced to China in the late 19th century, with documented planting in Yunnan as early as 1902 by a French missionary. Widespread cultivation began in the 20th century, and commercial coffee culture took off in mainland cities like Shanghai by the 1920s. Today, Yunnan is China’s primary coffee-growing region.

The Origins of Coffee: From Ethiopia to the World

Coffee’s story begins in the 6th century in the Kaffa region of southern Ethiopia. Legend says a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his flock became unusually energetic after eating red berries from a certain tree. After trying them himself, he felt more awake and cheerful. That fruit was coffee, and from there, its use spread across the Arabian Peninsula.

Coffee Arrives in Europe and Spreads Globally

By 1615, the first coffeehouse opened in Venice, Italy, marking the start of modern coffeehouse culture. Coffee spread from North Africa and Arabia into Europe during the Middle Ages, then to the Americas. In Asia, Indonesia became the first major producer in the late 17th century. The Dutch transplanted coffee trees from Ceylon to Java (Indonesia) by 1699, establishing a thriving industry.

Coffee Comes to China: Early Plantings and Colonial Influence

Coffee was introduced to Taiwan by the British in 1884. During Japanese rule, its cultivation expanded. On the mainland, the first recorded coffee planting occurred in 1902 in Binchuan County, Yunnan, brought by a French missionary from Vietnam. Some coffee trees from over a century ago still grow in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, and Xiamen. By the 1920s, Shanghai—then known as the “Paris of the East”—had a budding coffee scene frequented by foreigners and upper-class Chinese.

Modern Coffee Culture in China

Before the 1990s, coffee was unfamiliar to most Chinese. But as the country opened up, Western influences grew. In 1999, Taiwanese entrepreneur Wang Dawei brought Starbucks to China, followed by other international chains like UBC (Taiwan) and Kamiya (Japan). These brands sparked a coffee boom in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Today, coffee consumption is rising steadily, and Yunnan coffee—known for quality and value—is helping shape a uniquely Chinese coffee identity.

Global Coffee Origins: A Quick Reference

World-renowned coffee regions include:

• Jamaica Blue Mountain – Renowned for balanced, mild profiles; Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 is its flagship.
• Colombia – Known for well-rounded, balanced beans with medium acidity.
• Brazil – Offers diverse flavour profiles, often nutty and low-acid.
• Guatemala Antigua – Produces complex, spicy, and chocolatey coffees.
• Ethiopia Yirgacheffe – Bright, floral, and fruity; a favourite for single-origin enthusiasts.
• Sumatra Mandheling – Earthy, full-bodied, and low-acid with heavy body.
• Kenya – Known for bright acidity and wine-like flavours, often featuring Kenya Little Tomato or other AA-grade beans.
• Costa Rica – Clean, sweet, and medium-bodied.
• Hawaii Kona – Grown on volcanic slopes; smooth and sweet with mild acidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first arrive in China?

Coffee was first introduced to China in 1884 when the British brought it to Taiwan. On the mainland, the first recorded planting was in 1902 in Yunnan’s Binchuan County by a French missionary who brought coffee seedlings from Vietnam.

Where is coffee grown in China today?

Today, China’s coffee is mainly grown in Yunnan province, with smaller plantings in parts of Hainan, as well as in Guangdong, Guangxi, Taiwan, and Xiamen. Yunnan is the dominant and most commercially significant region.

When did coffee become popular in mainland China?

Coffee started gaining popularity in mainland China during the 1920s, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Shanghai. Widespread consumption among the general public began much later, in the 1990s, following economic reforms and the introduction of international coffee chains.

What role did Shanghai play in China’s coffee history?

In the 1920s, Shanghai had an emerging coffee culture, with cafes serving foreigners and wealthy locals. These early coffeehouses were among the first places where Chinese consumers encountered coffee in a social setting, setting the stage for future growth.

Who introduced Starbucks to China?

Starbucks was first brought to China in 1999 by Taiwanese businessman Wang Dawei, known as the “McDonald’s of China.” His move marked the start of major international coffee brands entering the Chinese market.

What is Yunnan coffee known for?

Yunnan coffee is recognised for its good quality and relatively low price. It is helping to build a domestic Chinese coffee culture and is increasingly featured in single-origin offerings from Chinese roasters.

Recommended Yunnan Single Origins from FrontStreet

Explore FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan offerings, including the Yunnan Arabica, known for its balanced profile with notes of caramel and soft acidity, ideal for exploring China-grown coffee. Also try their Classic Blend, which often includes Yunnan beans for a smooth, approachable cup. These beans highlight the terroir and quality of China’s key coffee-growing region. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.