How a Nurse Became a Shenzhen Coffee Shop Owner in the Mountains

Remember that question your teacher asked in school—what do you want to be when you grow up? For many, the answer changes over time, twisted by routine, bills, and compromise. But what if someone actually followed through? What does it look like when someone leaves stability behind to live a life they actually imagined?

In Shenzhen’s hills near Wutong Mountain, a former nurse turned her dream into reality: a quiet coffee gallery with homemade desserts, poetry nights, and mountain views. It’s called Wutong Backyard, and it’s been open since 2013—but the real story begins in 2015, when its owner, Lao Tu, walked away from twelve years in nursing to take over the space.

From Nurse to Cafe Owner: Lao Tu’s Story

Lao Tu spent twelve years and five months working as a nurse—a stable career, but one that didn’t align with her creative spirit. "I liked to travel, write, and live freely, but the hospital was routine," she says. In 2015, after reaching what she describes as a personal crossroads, she decided to leave her job and help run Wutong Backyard, a space that blends coffee, art, and a slower pace of life.

The cafe officially opened in October 2013, but it wasn’t until April 2015 that Lao Tu took the reins. By then, she had made a conscious decision to step away from her old life and embrace something new. "After a certain point, if you haven’t found your direction, you’re lost," she explains. "I had found mine."

Why a Coffee Shop with Art and Poetry?

Wutong Backyard isn’t just another coffee shop. Located at the foot of Wutong Mountain, the venue features a ground-floor cafe and a second-floor art gallery. The name? It comes from the location—“Wutong” for the mountain, and “Backyard” for the lovely garden out back. Lao Tu’s partner is an artist, and together they created a space where coffee and creativity coexist.

"My husband is a painter. We used to run a gallery for years. When we found this place, it was perfect—we could have the cafe downstairs and the gallery upstairs," Lao Tu says. The walls are adorned with her husband’s artwork, while Lao Tu takes care of the coffee, sweets, and hosting.

The combination isn’t purely aesthetic. “He paints, goes on sketch trips, and I make the coffee and desserts,” she adds. The result is a hybrid space where art exhibits, film screenings, and poetry readings happen alongside espressos and homemade cakes.

Mountain Life and Daily Rhythms

Life at Wutong Backyard moves at a gentler pace. “The mountain life lets you settle down, let the noise fade, and just be yourself,” Lao Tu reflects. The couple keeps simple routines: sleeping in, walking the dog, cooking light meals, and opening the cafe around midday.

“We open at twelve. He reads. I bake. It’s a semi-reclusive life. Few people come during the day, but evenings get busy. Waiting is something you learn when you run a cafe.” The couple also hosts weekly events like movie nights and community poetry reading sessions. “I love poetry and movies—especially ones that resonate. I used to write reviews. Now I just write by hand. Not many people do that anymore.”

The mountain setting brings its own rhythm. During the week, it’s calm. On weekends, the space fills with visitors. “You really learn patience. And how to enjoy making cheesecake,” she laughs. Her mango and durian cheesecakes have become local favorites.

Visiting Wutong Backyard

If you’re planning a trip to Shenzhen and want to experience a cafe that feels like a hidden retreat, Wutong Backyard is worth the visit. It’s located in Wutong Art Town, a creative neighborhood surrounded by nature.

Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM daily
Address: 111 Xiangzi Fang, Wutong Art Town, Luohu District, Shenzhen
How to get there:

• By car: Navigate to Wutong Mountain Boya Hall or Wutong Cultural & Sports Park
• By bus: Take the 211 bus to the terminal or the M445 minibus from Shawan Checkpoint to Wutong Mountain Market

Nearby attractions include Wutong Mountain, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches, Zhongying Street, Donghu Park, and the Minsk World aircraft carrier.

Whether you're there for the coffee, the cheesecake, or a quiet evening of poetry, Wutong Backyard offers a rare blend of art, mountain air, and slow living—all rooted in one woman’s decision to follow her heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wutong Backyard in Shenzhen?

Wutong Backyard is a mountain-side coffee gallery in Shenzhen combining a ground-floor cafe with an upper-floor art gallery. It serves specialty coffee, homemade desserts, and hosts cultural events like poetry nights and film screenings.

Who runs Wutong Backyard and what’s their story?

The cafe is run by Lao Tu, a former nurse who worked for twelve years before leaving her job in 2015 to manage the space with her artist husband. They opened the cafe in 2013, but she took over in 2015 seeking a more creative and peaceful lifestyle.

What kind of food and drinks are available at Wutong Backyard?

Wutong Backyard serves specialty coffee along with homemade desserts like mango and durian cheesecake. The menu is simple and thoughtfully prepared, complementing the artsy and relaxed environment.

What events does Wutong Backyard host?

The cafe hosts regular events such as weekly poetry readings, film nights, and community “coffee and tea boiling” gatherings. These events reflect the owners’ love for art, literature, and social connection.

Where is Wutong Backyard located and how do I get there?

It’s located at 111 Xiangzi Fang, Wutong Art Town, Luohu District, Shenzhen. You can drive and navigate to Wutong Mountain Boya Hall or Wutong Cultural & Sports Park, or take bus 211 or the M445 minibus to Wutong Mountain Market.

What are the opening hours of Wutong Backyard?

The cafe is open daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight).

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Mountain Cafes

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