Major Chinese Coffee Chain Brands You Should Know

If you’ve walked into a Chinese city center in the last 15 years, chances are you’ve seen a chain coffee shop—some with European-sounding names, others claiming a premium pedigree. But behind the branding lies a fragmented landscape shaped by regional operators, franchise models, and varying levels of quality control. For coffee drinkers and industry watchers alike, understanding which chains dominate—and why—offers a window into China’s evolving specialty coffee culture.

As of the latest data, Shangdao Coffee remains the largest domestic coffee chain in China, with over 1,000 locations across the country. It’s followed by Di’ao Coffee (nearly 400 stores), Miro Coffee (around 150 stores), and Liangyinge Western Restaurant & Coffee (strong in Guangdong), along with smaller players like SPR Coffee (nearly 100 stores) and Laoshu Coffee (about 80 locations).

The Rise and Fragmentation of Shangdao Coffee

Shangdao Coffee is the most widespread coffee chain in China, operating over 1,000 locations nationwide. However, it’s not a single unified brand. Instead, it’s run by eight separate regional franchises, which has allowed rapid growth but also led to inconsistent quality across locations. This decentralized model contributed to its early dominance—but as individual branches vary widely in management and execution, brand perception has declined in some markets.

Other Major National Chains

Several other chains have built significant national footprints:

• Di’ao Coffee operates nearly 400 stores and is reportedly based in Shanghai or Zhejiang. It is considered a second brand of a Shangdao affiliate and has allegedly acquired both Guangdong Shangdao and the Miro Coffee chain, making it the single largest player in the domestic market.
• Miro Coffee, a second brand under Guangdong Shangdao, runs about 150 locations across the country.
• Liangyinge Western Restaurant & Coffee, centered in Guangdong, has a strong regional presence and a smaller but stable footprint in other areas such as Zhengzhou and Guangxi. It focuses more on Western food but includes coffee on the menu.

Second-Tier and Regional Chains

Below the major players are several mid-sized or regional chains that emerged from former Shangdao franchisees or independent entrepreneurs:

• New Island Coffee is an independent brand that split from a Jiangsu-Zhejiang Shangdao franchisee and now operates around 30 locations.
• Laoshu Coffee was founded by former senior management of Shangdao and has expanded to approximately 80 stores nationwide.
• Jazz Island and Xidiyi (also known as Xidi Island) are two very similar brands that mimic the Shangdao model but market themselves with a French theme. They position themselves slightly below the main Shangdao tier, with lower investment costs (around 1 million RMB) and faster expansion.

Smaller and Niche Players

Outside the large and mid-sized chains, several smaller coffee concepts have also gained traction:

• SPR Coffee, headquartered in Qingdao, has nearly 100 locations. While performance is mixed outside Beijing, its flagship store in Beijing’s Silk Market is reportedly thriving. The brand is noted for its unique operational philosophy.
• Baiyi Coffee claims Canadian origins but has not achieved significant national growth. It is generally regarded as a venture by returning overseas Chinese with limited long-term impact.

It’s worth noting that SPR, Baiyi, and Jazz Island are often described as passion projects by returnees from abroad—more lifestyle-driven than strategically built coffee empires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chinese coffee chain has the most locations?

Shangdao Coffee has the most locations in China, with over 1,000 stores nationwide. However, it is operated by eight separate regional franchises, leading to inconsistencies in quality and management across outlets.

What is the second-largest coffee chain in China?

Di’ao Coffee is the second-largest chain, with nearly 400 locations. It is reportedly a second brand of a Shangdao affiliate and may have acquired both Guangdong Shangdao and Miro Coffee, strengthening its market position.

How many Miro Coffee locations are there in China?

Miro Coffee, a subsidiary brand of Guangdong Shangdao, operates approximately 150 stores across the country.

Are SPR Coffee and Baiyi Coffee major chains?

SPR Coffee has nearly 100 locations and is known for its unique Beijing flagship store, but its presence is stronger in certain regions. Baiyi Coffee, claiming Canadian roots, has not grown significantly and is seen more as a niche or returnee-led project.

What are Jazz Island and Xidiyi Coffee?

Jazz Island and Xidiyi (or Xidi Island) are two very similar coffee brands that imitate the Shangdao model but market themselves with a French identity. They operate with lower investment requirements (around 1 million RMB) and have expanded quickly, though they are considered below the main Shangdao tier.

What is Laoshu Coffee?

Laoshu Coffee is a brand founded by former Shangdao executives and currently has about 80 locations across China.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Chain Coffee Inspiration

For those exploring the flavor profiles behind China’s domestic coffee chains, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral notes with a juicy body—echoing the lighter, fruit-forward styles found in many urban cafes. The Yirgacheffe is another great option, delivering delicate berry tones and a clean acidity suited for espresso or pour-over. Finally, the PWN Golden Mandheling provides a heavier, classic profile with chocolate and spice notes, reflecting the darker roasts still popular in larger chains. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.