Where Coffee Was First Grown in China

When you’re curious about where coffee first took root in China, you’re really asking about a specific time, place, and person—and how that early planting shaped what followed. Most people assume coffee came to China much later, but the truth lies in a quiet corner of Hainan Island, where the crop was introduced over eight decades ago.

The first place in China known to have cultivated coffee is in northwestern Chengmai County, Hainan Province. Coffee was introduced here in 1935 by overseas Chinese returnee Chen Xianzhang. This makes it not only one of the earliest coffee-growing regions in the country but also the birthplace of the well-known Fushan coffee brand.

The Origins of Coffee in Hainan

In 1935, a returned overseas Chinese named Chen Xianzhang brought coffee seeds from abroad and planted them in northwestern Chengmai County, Hainan. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in this region. Located just 50 kilometers from the provincial capital Haikou, the area lies along the western section of the Hainan West Expressway. It wasn’t long before this spot became associated with what is now the popular Fushan coffee brand, a name synonymous with Hainan’s coffee heritage.

Agricultural Tourism and Coffee Culture

Today, the region is more than just a coffee farm—it’s a hub for agricultural tourism. The area combines natural landscapes with leisure facilities, showcasing the early integration of coffee farming and tourism. Key sites include the Fushan Reservoir, which spans over 10,000 acres, surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of coffee plantations. Visitors can fish or boat on the reservoir while enjoying views of the surrounding coffee fields.

Surrounding the area, there are over a dozen “farmhouse leisure” venues such as Wanjia Fruit Farm and Yazu Manor. There are also coffee-specific spots like Fushan Coffee House, Houchen Coffee Culture Village, and Hongqi Slope Coffee Plaza. For accommodation, options range from family-run guesthouses like Tianfu Holiday Hotel and Mantianfu Grand Hotel. Together, these form a notable example of tropical high-efficiency agricultural tourism in China.

What Made This Location Significant?

This site is historically significant because it represents the first successful introduction and cultivation of coffee in China. The year 1935 marks the starting point of a long journey that led to the development of Hainan’s coffee industry, particularly the Fushan coffee brand. The combination of fertile land, tropical climate, and proximity to Haikou provided ideal conditions for early experimentation with coffee growing.

The presence of large-scale coffee plantations and supporting infrastructure such as the reservoir and tourist facilities helped establish a model for integrating coffee production with leisure and tourism—an early form of agri-tourism that would later gain popularity across China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly was coffee first grown in China?

Coffee was first grown in northwestern Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China. This area, located about 50 kilometers from Haikou, saw the introduction of coffee by Chen Xianzhang in 1935 and is the origin of the Fushan coffee brand.

Who introduced coffee to China and when?

Coffee was introduced to this part of China in 1935 by Chen Xianzhang, an overseas Chinese returnee. He brought coffee seeds from abroad and planted them in Chengmai County, Hainan.

What is Fushan coffee and where does it come from?

Fushan coffee is a well-known coffee brand originating from Chengmai County, Hainan. It originated in the region where coffee was first planted in 1935, making the area central to its heritage.

Is the original coffee-growing area in Hainan still active today?

Yes, the original coffee-growing area in northwestern Chengmai is still active. It now includes extensive coffee plantations, tourist attractions, and leisure farms, forming a key site for coffee tourism in China.

What makes Hainan’s early coffee planting historically important?

Hainan’s 1935 coffee planting is historically important as it marks the earliest known introduction of coffee cultivation in China. It laid the foundation for the development of the domestic coffee industry, especially in Hainan.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Origins

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