Lu Xun and Gongfei Café: A Literary Hangout

When you think of a historic literary café—somewhere writers gathered to plot movements and sip ideas—you might picture Paris’s Les Deux Magots or Vienna’s Café Central. But in 1930s Shanghai, there was another such place: Gongfei Café. Though it never served a signature drink that caught the world’s attention, this unassuming spot near the North Sichuan Road tram terminus became legendary—not for its menu, but for its regulars.

The short answer? Lu Xun, China’s most famous writer of the era, visited Gongfei Café frequently—even if he never touched coffee. He always ordered green tea. His repeated presence, along with that of other left-wing literary figures, turned the café into what later generations called “the most famous café of its time.”

Why Was Gongfei Café Special?

Gongfei Café wasn’t Shanghai’s first or finest coffeehouse. But its location—near the tram terminus on North Sichuan Road and right across from the famed Inagaya Bookstore—made it a practical and relatively discreet meeting spot. It was run by foreigners, which meant it drew less attention from local police. That discretion helped it become a safe haven for progressive writers.

Lu Xun’s Habit: Tea Over Coffee

Despite the café’s name and coffee-centric clientele, Lu Xun never drank coffee. In his essay “Revolutionary Café,” he imagined an idealized Western-style literary café filled with intellectuals sipping “proletarian coffee.” But he admitted, “I have never set foot in such a place.” Instead, he always ordered green tea. Writer Wei Mengke recalled that while others drank coffee, Lu stuck to tea—and sometimes Xia Yan joined him for a cup. Even without touching the house specialty, Lu’s routine visits cemented the café’s reputation.

A Hub for Left-Wing Writers

Gongfei Café became a key meeting point for the Chinese Left-Wing Writers’ League . Yang Qianshu recalled that Yang Hansheng often brought fellow writers here for left-wing literary gatherings. In 1934, authors Xiao Jun and Xiao Hong arrived in Shanghai from the northeast, first visiting Inagaya Bookstore to see Lu Xun, who then took them to Gongfei Café to discuss their work. Zhou Yang’s wife also remembered coordinating meetups: she’d leave Zhou at Gongfei, visit Lu Xun at Inagaya, and the three would reconvene upstairs at Gongfei for long talks over coffee and tea. For aspiring writers of the time, the route was clear: go to Inagaya, then to Gongfei.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Lu Xun ever drink coffee at Gongfei Café?

No. Despite visiting Gongfei Café often, Lu Xun never drank coffee. He always ordered green tea, as he preferred it and avoided Western beverages. His colleague Xia Yan sometimes drank tea with him.

Why was Gongfei Café important in 1930s Shanghai?

Gongfei Café was a key meeting spot for left-wing writers, especially those in the Chinese Left-Wing Writers’ League. Its foreign ownership and location made it less conspicuous to authorities, offering a relatively safe space for political and literary discussions.

What was the connection between Lu Xun and Gongfei Café?

Lu Xun visited Gongfei Café regularly to attend meetings related to the Left-Wing Writers’ League. Though he didn’t drink coffee, he always had green tea there, making the café a focal point for literary history despite him never trying its signature drinks.

Where was Gongfei Café located?

Gongfei Café was located near the tram terminus on Shanghai’s North Sichuan Road, directly across from the Inagaya Bookstore. This made it easily accessible and a natural meeting place before or after visits to the bookstore.

Who else frequented Gongfei Café besides Lu Xun?

Besides Lu Xun, other notable figures like Xiao Jun, Xiao Hong, Zhou Yang, Yang Hansheng, and Xia Yan were regulars. It served as a hub for left-wing literary activities and discussions during the 1930s.

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