Tsinghua PhD Returns Home to Open Rural Ink-Themed Cafe

When burnout from years of elite academic life set in, one former top-5 national university entrance exam scorer didn’t chase another promotion — she chased a childhood dream. In a move that surprised almost no one who knew her, Chen Yanling, an impending PhD graduate from Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management, swapped Beijing’s fast-paced research labs for the tranquil streets of a 4A-rated scenic village in rural Sichuan — and opened a café where coffee meets traditional art.

Yes, this is the same woman who scored 656 out of 750 on Sichuan’s 2007 college entrance exam — good enough for fifth place statewide among liberal arts students. Now, she’s serving single-origin brews and hand-printed New Year paintings just outside Chengdu.

The Cafe That Blends Coffee With Calligraphy Paper

Nestled in Mianzhu City’s Xiaode Town, inside the famed Niánhuà Cūn (New Year Painting Village), “Mòfēi” (Ink Café) opened its doors on the morning of October 9. This isn’t your typical rural coffee stop. Inside, minimalist Western-style furnishings mix with traditional Chinese décor. The space hums with a relaxed vibe thanks to soft lighting and instrumental music. But the real showstoppers? Locally crafted Mianzhu New Year painting ornaments, and a hands-on printmaking station right in the middle of the café.

Visitors can sip their coffee while using traditional woodblocks, rice paper, and mineral pigments to create their own artwork. “It’s a calm, creative environment,” says Chen. “[We’re offering] a moment of peace amid our high-speed society.”

From Tsinghua Hallways To Sichuan Village Streets

Born in 1989 in Deyang, Sichuan, Chen was no ordinary student. She skipped a grade, then aced her province’s grueling university entrance exams in 2007 with a near-perfect score. Admitted to Tsinghua, she later earned a direct doctoral track in Leadership and Organizational Management. She also spent a semester as an exchange student in France. Currently wrapping up her doctoral dissertation, Chen also mentors younger students — a role she takes seriously. “She once spent hours calming down a struggling undergrad over WeChat,” recalls her university friend Xiao Siyun. “Her class even won an award for excellence.”

Her café’s visual identity — logo, menu design, and interior touches — was created by a Tsinghua junior. But every piece of hanging art, ornament, and signage draws from Mianzhu’s famed folk style. “The café is a bridge,” Chen explains. “Between academic life and handmade tradition. Between city stress and village stillness.”

Why This Cafe Stands Apart In Sichuan’s Booming Rural Coffee Scene

Sichuan’s countryside is filling up with cozy third-wave coffee shops. What makes Mòfēi different? “I’m not here to start a business. I’m here to create a way of living,” Chen says. Rather than chasing conventional entrepreneurship, she calls her project a form of “creative living.”

She’s also the only café owner in the area integrating authentic Mianzhu New Year painting workshops into the customer experience. “No one else offers hands-on ink art sessions with your flat white,” she points out. On weekends, Chen hosts salons for Tsinghua alumni and students — including discussions on art, coffee brewing, and leadership. “We want Mòfēi to be a hub for people who love ink, ideas, and slow moments,” she says. Staff include both local villagers and part-time university students. Funding came via a mix of family support and a local government interest-free loan for student entrepreneurs. Government offices expedited permits, licensing, and tax paperwork to help the project launch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mòfēi Ink Café located?

Mòfēi Ink Café is located in Niánhuà Cūn (New Year Painting Village), Xiaode Town, Mianzhu City, Deyang, Sichuan Province — a 4A-rated scenic area known for traditional folk art. The café opened on October 9.

Who owns and runs Mòfēi Ink Café?

The café is owned and operated by Chen Yanling, an impending PhD graduate from Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management. A native of Deyang, Sichuan, Chen ranked fifth in the province’s 2007 liberal arts college entrance exam with a score of 656.

What makes Mòfēi different from other rural coffee shops in Sichuan?

Mòfēi incorporates traditional Mianzhu New Year painting art into its decor and customer experience. It offers a DIY printmaking station where visitors can make their own art while enjoying coffee. It also hosts exclusive salons for Tsinghua alumni and students, making it a cultural hub as well as a coffee shop.

Does the café serve specialty coffee?

Yes, Mòfēi serves carefully brewed single-origin coffee in a tranquil, art-filled setting. While specific beans aren’t listed, the atmosphere is tailored for coffee appreciation alongside folk-art experiences.

How did Chen Yanling fund the café?

Chen funded Mòfēi through a combination of family support and a government-backed interest-free loan for student entrepreneurs. Local authorities also helped fast-track the necessary permits and licenses.

What kinds of events does Mòfēi host?

Mòfēi regularly holds weekend salons for Tsinghua students and alumni, as well as themed events around art, coffee brewing, and leadership. The space is designed to foster creative exchange and relaxation.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Artisan Coffee Experiences

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