How Two Cat-Themed Cafés in Suzhou Became Community Havens

In the concrete jungle of Suzhou, where traffic noise and office stress dominate daily life, finding a place to breathe, talk, and unwind isn’t easy—especially if you’re also craving coffee and the gentle purr of a rescue cat. For those seeking a quiet corner away from the rush, two unique cafés offer more than just caffeine: they’re sanctuaries built around feline friends, creativity, and connection.

Jiang Rong runs both Three Shuns Coffee Nest and Xi Coffee—two Suzhou cat-themed cafés that serve specialty coffee, homemade baked goods, and above all, a space where rescued cats roam freely and visitors can slow down. Both are born from his post-travel vision of community over commerce.

A Journey That Changed Everything

In 2009, a trip to Yunnan shifted Jiang Rong’s perspective. Staying at a guesthouse with a photo wall where travelers shared postcards and stories, he felt the power of human connection. Add in late-night coffee shops and bars in Lijiang, and he realized these spaces could be more than commercial spots—they could be emotional outlets. Inspired, he decided to open a non-profit-focused café back in Suzhou—a place for old dreams, guitar music, and yes, cats.

The opportunity arose when a friend’s photo studio became available for sublease. Thus, Three Shuns Coffee Nest was born. The name? A nod to a Korean drama character, a friend’s love of baking, and the café’s first rescue cat—also named Three Shuns, a black cat whose likeness became the logo. Despite its small, tucked-away location near banks and insurance offices, the café quickly became a hub for fellow cat lovers, bakers, and coffee drinkers.

More Than Just Coffee: A Rescue Mission

Three Shuns wasn’t built to maximize profits, but to foster community. Jiang Rong welcomed stray and rescued cats, even when some customers worried about allergies or fur during peak seasons. He stood firm: the cats stayed. Over time, the menu expanded, the coffee improved, and so did the feline family. The café hosted private gatherings, baking sessions, and even impromptu acoustic sets.

Then came Xi Coffee in November 2013. Also cat-themed and DIY-friendly, Xi Coffee sits closer to the Panmen scenic area but remains peacefully removed from tourist crowds. Its resident cats are the second generation of rescues originally brought in by visitors. The name “Xi” comes from the Chinese character meaning ‘to boil’—a tribute to traditional fire-brewed coffee methods. Jiang Rong liked the historical resonance and kept the name.

From IT to Motorcycles, Stamps, and Coffee

Jiang Rong’s path hasn’t been linear. A former Microsoft employee and later an entrepreneur in Shanghai, he returned to Suzhou to start an IT company—hardly the background you’d expect for a man who now runs two cat cafés. But his interests have always been eclectic. As a kid, he loved motorcycles and even raced at Shanghai’s F1 circuit in a Kawasaki Ninja, capable of 300 km/h. Eventually, safety concerns led him to retire the throttle in favor of a new passion: vintage cars.

Rebuilding classic automobiles from scratch became another outlet. He enjoys uncovering parts, restoring vehicles, and reliving childhood memories tied to those eras. Likewise, his tastes turned nostalgic after 30—he collects stamps, even placing third in a Suzhou exhibition. And in the early digital age, he helped preserve film photography via POCO, setting up analog developing workshops for hobbyists. His love for documentary-style photography remains a personal joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Three Shuns Coffee Nest and Xi Coffee located?

Both cafés are in Suzhou. Three Shuns is near a bank and insurance office in a quiet, low-profile location. Xi Coffee is situated closer to the Panmen scenic area but maintains a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path vibe. Exact addresses are not provided in the article.

What makes these cafés different from regular coffee shops?

These are cat-themed community spaces that prioritize rescued animals, DIY baking, and a relaxed atmosphere over fast service or high profit. Customers can interact with cats, bake their own treats, enjoy live music, and connect over specialty coffee without the usual commercial pressures.

Do the cafés allow visitors with cat allergies?

Cat allergies may be an issue, especially during shedding seasons. While the cafés maintain hygiene standards, the presence of cats—particularly during peak molting periods—is a deliberate and non-negotiable part of their theme and mission.

Why are the cafés named Three Shuns and Xi?

Three Shuns is named after a favorite Korean drama character, a baking enthusiast friend, and the café’s original black rescue cat. Xi means ‘to boil’ in Chinese, referencing traditional fire-brewed coffee methods. Jiang Rong chose it for its historical and cultural resonance.

What kinds of coffee do they serve?

The article does not specify exact coffee beans or brewing methods, but both cafés focus on specialty coffee in a relaxed, non-commercial environment. Visitors can enjoy coffee alongside homemade baked goods and a community-oriented experience.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Café Ambience

For the cozy, slow-paced vibe at Three Shuns Coffee Nest and Xi Coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for its vibrant citrus and floral brightness to match the creative, welcoming atmosphere—or their Yirgacheffe for a juicy, tea-like body ideal for relaxed conversation. For something richer to pair with baked goods, their Black Cocoa Blend offers deep chocolate notes with a smooth finish. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.