How a Chongqing University Café Became a Slow Living Haven

In the heart of Chongqing’s university district, amid the rush of campus life, a small third-floor coffee shop offers an antidote to the city’s fast pace: a space where students and locals gather to read, watch films, and discuss ideas—without the pressure of ordering quickly or leaving early. This is 'The End of the Universe', a café that’s less about caffeine and more about connection.

The answer lies in its carefully curated mix: 15-seat capacity, weekly Thursday-night book clubs (lasting 2–4 hours per session), and Monday film screenings—all run by owner Wan Qing, who earns just 2,000 RMB monthly but prioritizes community over profit.

A Café Born from a Philosophical Encounter

Wan Qing’s journey to opening 'The End of the Universe' began unexpectedly in Beijing. Attending a reading of her favorite philosopher’s work in a café—despite never having set foot in one before—opened her eyes to the venue’s potential beyond coffee. 'I realized cafés could host ideas, not just drinks,' she recalls. After years of wandering through Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu’s indie coffee scenes, she envisioned a space blending literature, film, and casual conversation. By November of the previous year, she’d quit her stable job, convinced her skeptical parents (though her husband, sister, and brother-in-law supported her), and transformed a unit in a Chongqing university’s old residential area into her dream: a 30-square-meter, three-story independent café entirely decorated and managed by her.

Aesthetic and Function: A Hybrid Space

The café’s interior marries retro and eclectic elements: white floor-to-ceiling bookshelves crammed with volumes (some from her family, others gifted by patrons), brown linen-covered tables, white chairs with red checkered cushions, walls adorned with dried flowers and postcards from friends abroad, and a dedicated screening room papered with classic global film posters. 'It’s independent and literary,' Wan Qing explains of the aesthetic, which emerged after she debated between commercial and niche styles during research trips. Every detail—from the layout to the placement of a single dried flower bouquet—is her handiwork.

Community Anchors: Book Clubs and Film Nights

The café’s heartbeat lies in its recurring events. Every Thursday from 6:45 to 9:45 p.m., Wan Qing hosts book club sessions, announcing the featured title in advance via WeChat. Recent picks include Erich Fromm’s The Art of Loving, discussed over multiple evenings as participants take turns reading aloud and sharing insights. Attendance fluctuates between 6 and 15 people, with discussions centered on personal interpretations. 'I want to foster a love for reading,' she says. Meanwhile, Monday nights feature fixed film screenings in the private screening room, drawing students seeking a quiet, communal escape. 'It’s not just about the movies—it’s about the shared experience,' notes Wan Qing.

Why a Neuroscientist Opened a Low-Profit Café

Wan Qing’s backstory defies expectations: a 30-year-old former computer science undergraduate who switched to cognitive neuroscience for her master’s, then abandoned academia to open a café unrelated to her field. Her motivation? A desire for autonomy and a belief in the café’s role as a 'comfortable, free platform for students to learn and exchange ideas.' Located deliberately within the university grounds, the space caters to students like Ji Li, a senior in the foreign languages college who spends half her week there preparing for study abroad. 'Wan Qing feels like an older sister,' Ji Li shares. 'Unlike other campus cafés run by student part-timers, this feels personal—we’re friends. She even taught me to make coffee here.'

The Name Behind the Universe

The café’s whimsical name, 'The End of the Universe', stems from Wan Qing’s love for the British radio drama (later adapted into a film) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. 'I’ve read the novel, watched the movie, and listened to the radio series repeatedly,' she admits. The name reflects her passion for storytelling—both literary and cinematic—which extends to the café’s book collection (a mix of her personal books, her siblings’ donations, and patron gifts) and film programming. 'It’s normal for my café’s name to come from books and movies,' she adds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the café owner earn monthly?

Wan Qing earns approximately 2,000 RMB per month from 'The End of the Universe', a figure she openly shares. She acknowledges that independent cafés require significant personal investment and rarely generate high profits, but she prioritizes community impact over financial gain.

What events does the café regularly host?

The café holds weekly Thursday-night book clubs (6:45–9:45 p.m.) featuring in-depth discussions of a single book over multiple sessions, and Monday-night film screenings in a dedicated screening room. Recent book club picks include The Art of Loving.

Why did the owner choose a university location?

Wan Qing deliberately located the café within the university’s old residential area to create a comfortable, free platform for students to learn and interact. She values the proximity to students and the opportunity to support their academic and personal growth.

What’s the café’s interior design like?

The space blends retro and eclectic elements: white floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, brown linen tables, white chairs with red checkered cushions, walls with dried flowers and international postcards, and a film screening room covered in classic movie posters. All decorations were personally selected and arranged by Wan Qing.

How does the book club work?

Book club sessions last 2–4 hours, with one book discussed until completion. Participants take turns reading aloud, share personal reflections, and discuss memorable passages. The current session focuses on The Art of Loving, with 6–15 attendees per meeting.

Is the café profitable?

No, the café is not designed for high profitability. Wan Qing emphasizes that independent cafés like hers are labor-intensive and prioritize personal fulfillment and community building over financial returns, earning just enough to sustain operations.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cozy Café Reading

Pair your time at 'The End of the Universe' with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright citrus and floral notes with a juicy body, perfect for sipping during book discussions—or the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1, offering mild acidity and chocolatey sweetness ideal for film nights. For a local favorite, try the Classic Blend: balanced and approachable, with nutty and caramel undertones. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.