China’s First Financial Community Coffee Shop Opens in Shenzhen

In late 2015, a unique concept hit the streets of Shenzhen—not another generic café, but a financial services hub built around specialty coffee. The big question: could a coffee shop really serve as more than just a place to sip espresso? For Hui Coffee, the answer was yes—and it arrived first in China.

Hui Coffee, the country’s first community-focused financial coffee flagship store, officially launched on December 4, 2015, in Nanshan Software Industry Base, Shenzhen. More than just a caffeine stop, it blended professional real estate financial services with on-site coffee experiences. Over 200 attendees witnessed the opening, including executives, investors, and guests.

What Is Hui Coffee?

Hui Coffee is the offline investment community arm of Hui Lian Hui Li Cai , an internet finance platform operated by Hui Lian Financial , a Hong Kong-listed real estate financial services company. The coffee shop concept is designed as a physical space where clients can engage with financial advisors, learn about investments, and enjoy expertly brewed coffee—all under one roof. Its stated mission is to create a seamless experience where financial services meet lifestyle.

Why This Model?

The concept addresses the growing 'community finance' sector in China, tapping into the underserved demand among property owners and local residents for accessible investment options and financial guidance. Hui Coffee is part of a broader push by Hui Lian Financial to build a holistic offline real estate financial ecosystem. The coffee angle is both a customer acquisition tool and a value-added service, making complex financial products more approachable through casual engagement.

How It Works

At launch, Hui Coffee operated as a flagship 'direct-operated' model in Shenzhen, with future plans for community-based and franchised outlets across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China. The store offered free coffee tastings alongside opportunities to invest via Hui Lian Hui Li Cai, participate in prize draws, and access fast-track credit lines enabled by big data analysis. Clients could also connect to third-party services in telecom, travel, education, home goods, and healthcare.

According to Guo Xinru , Executive Director at Hui Lian Financial, users could not only enjoy stable returns on investments but also enter lucky draws and receive high-limit credit approvals based on residential data. The aim was to create a win-win scenario for investors, property developers, and residents alike. The store also hosted live music, lucky draws, and guest performances during its inauguration.

Broader Vision & Expansion Goals

Hui Coffee set an ambitious target: 150–180 physical locations (excluding mobile units) within five years, with the long-term goal of becoming a recognized Chinese brand. The 'Shenzhen speed' rollout followed the company’s successful hosting of a high-profile industry forum on community finance in November 2015. Hui Lian Financial’s innovation in community-based financial services earned it multiple awards throughout 2015, including 'Best Real Estate Financial Innovation Award' at the Boao Forum and '2015 Real Estate Finance Outstanding Partner' from Fangzhanggui.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hui Coffee?

Hui Coffee is China’s first community financial coffee flagship store, combining a specialty coffee experience with real estate financial services. Launched in December 2015 in Shenzhen, it allows customers to invest, socialize, and enjoy coffee in a single location.

Where is the first Hui Coffee located?

The first Hui Coffee flagship store opened in December 2015 at Nanshan Software Industry Base, Building 1, Block C, Shenzhen, China.

Who owns Hui Coffee?

Hui Coffee is owned by Hui Lian Financial , a Hong Kong-listed real estate financial services provider, and operates under its online finance subsidiary Hui Lian Hui Li Cai .

What services does Hui Coffee provide?

Beyond serving coffee, Hui Coffee offers investment opportunities through Hui Lian Hui Li Cai, on-site financial consultations, access to fast credit services powered by big data, and connections to lifestyle service providers in sectors like telecom, travel, education, and healthcare.

How many Hui Coffee stores are planned?

Hui Coffee aims to open 150–180 physical stores (not including mobile units) across China within five years following the launch of its Shenzhen flagship in December 2015.

Is Hui Coffee a chain of themed cafés?

No, Hui Coffee is not a themed café. It’s a community financial hub that uses coffee as a medium to deliver accessible investment services and lifestyle benefits, particularly targeting property owners and residents in urban communities.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Financial Cafés

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