Books, Coffee & Music at Guangzhou’s Old Paradise Cafe

Looking for a bookstore where you can sip coffee, browse thoughtful reads, and maybe catch some indie music? Cities around the world are known for those rare spots where literature, caffeine, and atmosphere meet—often with a resident cat thrown in. One such place is Old Paradise in Shenzhen’s OCT Loft, a cultural haven that blends all these elements in under one roof.

Old Paradise Café is a compact space: the front section is lined with shelves of humanistic books, while the back holds a dedicated coffee bar. It’s a small venue—just right for quiet reading, casual conversation, and live music events. The average spend per person is around 42 RMB.

What Is Old Paradise?

Old Paradise is more than a bookstore or a coffee shop—it’s a hybrid cultural space located in Building A5, Unit 120 of the North District at OCT Loft in Nanshan, Shenzhen. The address is 120 A5, North District, OCT Loft (near Wenchang Street), and you can reach them by phone at 0755-86148090.

The Space: Books Meet Coffee

Stepping into Old Paradise, you’re first greeted by shelves filled with humanistic literature. Walk further in, and you’ll find the coffee area tucked away at the back. This layout creates a natural flow from reading to relaxing over a cup. The café serves as both a reading nook and a gathering spot for those interested in books, music, and ideas.

Coffee, Culture & Community

While the focus is on humanistic books and independent music, coffee is an essential part of the experience. The café doesn’t just serve drinks—it contributes to the overall ambiance. Old Paradise also hosts irregular cultural exchange events and live performances by independent musicians, adding a dynamic, community-driven layer to the space.

Why People Love It

Visitors often say they could fall in love with a city because of a place like this. The combination of curated books, quality coffee, occasional music, and the potential for a friendly cat encounter creates a uniquely welcoming environment. It’s the kind of spot that turns a simple coffee break into a cultural moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Old Paradise Café located?

Old Paradise Café is located at 120 A5, North District, OCT Loft, Nanshan, Shenzhen (near Wenchang Street). The nearest major intersection is by Wenchang Street, within the larger OCT Loft creative park area.

What does Old Paradise mainly sell?

Old Paradise specializes in humanistic literature and supports independent music. While it functions as a café, its core offerings are books and cultural programming, with coffee served to complement the atmosphere.

How much does a visit typically cost?

The average spend per person at Old Paradise is about 42 RMB, which likely covers coffee and possibly a book or event entry depending on your visit.

Does Old Paradise host live music or events?

Yes, Old Paradise occasionally holds cultural exchange activities and live performances by independent musicians. These events add to the venue’s community-focused, artistic identity.

Is there a cat at Old Paradise?

While not explicitly confirmed in the article, the text mentions “a beloved pet cat” as a common feature in such spaces, hinting that Old Paradise may have one too—adding to its charm.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Bookish Cafés

For a reading café like Old Paradise, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for its bright floral notes and juicy body, perfect alongside essays or poetry. Their Yirgacheffe offers citrus and stone fruit brightness, ideal with lighter reads. For something deeper, try PWN Golden Mandheling with its sweet caramel and spicy undertones—great with philosophy or nonfiction. All three beans highlight the nuanced, specialty side of coffee that matches a humanistic bookstore vibe. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.