When Did Coffee Become Popular in China?

Ever wondered why your favorite café in Shanghai or Guangzhou feels like it’s been there forever—even though coffee wasn’t always part of daily life in China? You’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers today are curious about how coffee transitioned from an exotic import to a staple of modern Chinese urban culture.

Coffee began gaining traction in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it only became truly popular among urban consumers in the past 20 to 30 years, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

The Origins of Coffee: Legends and Early History

The story of coffee doesn’t begin in China—but understanding its global journey helps explain how it eventually reached Chinese shores. Two of the most widely told origin stories come from Ethiopia. One involves a 6th-century goat herder named Adi, who noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating red cherries from a certain bush. After experimenting, local monks used the beans to stay awake during long prayers. Another tale features a Yemeni mystic, Omar, who survived on boiled coffee cherries while in exile and later brought the drink back to his community. Though their historical accuracy is uncertain, both stories point to Ethiopia—specifically the Kaffa region—as the birthplace of coffee. The word 'coffee' itself is derived from the Arabic 'Qahwah.'

How Coffee Spread Across the Globe

By the 16th century, coffee made its way to Europe via Venetian and French ports, initially dubbed 'Arabian wine.' It faced religious scrutiny but was eventually sanctioned by Pope Clement VIII. The first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1645. In England, coffeehouses became male-dominated social hubs in the 17th century, sparking such widespread debate that some women petitioned to shut them down in 1674. France’s elite embraced coffee after the Turkish ambassador introduced it to Louis XIV in 1669, leading to the rise of Parisian coffee salons. By the 18th century, French naval officer Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu transported coffee seedlings to Martinique, spreading cultivation to Central and South America. Over time, coffee shifted from a mystical Islamic drink to a global commodity.

Coffee Arrives in China: From Foreign Curiosity to Urban Staple

Coffee was introduced to China relatively late compared to tea. It first appeared in the 19th century, brought by Western traders and missionaries, primarily in port cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Early consumption was limited to foreigners and wealthy locals. It wasn’t until the late 20th century—following economic reforms in the 1980s and 1990s—that coffee began entering mainstream Chinese consciousness. International coffee chains like Starbucks opened their first China store in Beijing in 1999, marking a turning point. Since then, coffee culture has rapidly expanded, especially among younger urbanites. Today, major cities boast countless independent cafés and roasteries, where drinking coffee is associated with work, relaxation, and social connection.

What Coffee Means in Modern China

In today’s China, coffee symbolizes more than just caffeine—it’s a marker of modern lifestyle, productivity, and cosmopolitan identity. For many white-collar workers, a cup of coffee fuels their day. For students and creatives, cafés serve as workplaces or meeting spots. While traditional tea remains deeply rooted in Chinese culture, coffee has carved out its own space as an accessible luxury and daily ritual. The rise of domestic roasters and single-origin offerings reflects growing sophistication in taste, with Chinese consumers increasingly appreciating factors like roast level, origin, and flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first arrive in China?

Coffee was introduced to China in the 19th century, mainly through Western traders and missionaries in port cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. However, it remained a foreign curiosity for much of that time and wasn’t widely consumed by the Chinese population until much later.

When did coffee become popular in China?

Coffee started gaining real popularity in China during the late 20th century, particularly from the 1980s onward. The opening of Starbucks in Beijing in 1999 was a key milestone, and since then, urban coffee culture has grown rapidly, especially over the past 20 years.

Was coffee always popular in China?

No, coffee was not always popular in China. For much of China’s history, tea dominated as the primary beverage. Coffee was seen as a foreign import and only became mainstream in urban areas over the last few decades, driven by globalization, economic growth, and changing lifestyles.

Where did coffee culture start in China?

Coffee culture in China first took root in major port and trade cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong during the 19th and 20th centuries. These cities had greater exposure to Western influences, which helped introduce and slowly popularize coffee drinking.

How has coffee consumption changed in China in recent years?

In recent years, coffee consumption in China has surged, especially among younger generations in urban areas. Independent cafés and specialty roasters have proliferated, and consumers are becoming more interested in origin, roast profiles, and brewing methods, moving beyond just instant or chain coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Coffee Exploration

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