Coffee Culture in China

[ProbableCause]

Hi, I'm doing a project for a class on the rise of a "coffee culture" in China, and would like to gather some information.

I have seen this thread: http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/15171-xingbake-starbucks-in-china

and I find wushijiao's comment very interesting: "People, especially in China, are starting to associate Starbucks with Westernized "love" "romance"...etc."

I'd like to know more along these lines. Often Western, especially European, cafes (maybe not Starbucks so much) are places to relax, shoot the breeze, read a book, etc.. I get the impression that the few coffee shops in China are, similar to KFC and McDonald's status, reserved for special dates and business meetings. Is that correct? Is this an example of fetishization of Western culture, or a more independent Chinese phenomenon?

How many coffee shops are there? Who goes to them: everyone, middle-class, elite, or just Western tourists? What is the atmosphere? Do people go just to symbolize their status? How does this compare/contrast with modern and past tea culture in China?

I'd be very interested in hearing anything you have to say about this. Thank you very much.

[cdn_in_bj]

I'd like to know more along these lines. Often Western, especially European, cafes (maybe not Starbucks so much) are places to relax, shoot the breeze, read a book, etc.. I get the impression that the few coffee shops in China are, similar to KFC and McDonald's status, reserved for special dates and business meetings. Is that correct? Is this an example of fetishization of Western culture, or a more independent Chinese phenomenon?

Yes, I would agree that Western fetishization has played a big role in Starbucks' success here.

How many coffee shops are there? Who goes to them: everyone, middle-class, elite, or just Western tourists?

I would say it's mostly young professional types and western tourists, though the demographic makeup probably changes depending on the location. In any case, 25Y for a coffee is a bit pricey for most middle-class people to justify having on a regular basis although some will treat themselves to it once in a while.

What is the atmosphere? Do people go just to symbolize their status?

The atmosphere is similar to the ones back home, except there seems to be less lounging around. This could be because the Starbucks here are smaller, and also because the business types are more in a rush.

There are however a few local coffee chains that are more "lounging-friendly" - others here can probably share their experiences.

Regarding the status thing, there may be some truth to that but if it's true then that's pretty laughable IMHO.

How does this compare/contrast with modern and past tea culture in China?

This is an interesting question. I can't think of any analogies to traditional "tea culture" though.

I personally prefer the fresh-ground coffee at Ikea (another good example of Western fetishization). It's really cheap and even free if you have an Ikea Family membership.

You should do a study on Haagen-Dazs ice cream in China - you'll get more insight into the dating aspects.

[renzhe]

One should probably differentiate between cities with a colonial past (like Hong Kong or Shanghai), which have an actual coffee tradition, from the rest of China.

Beijing, Xi'an and similar tourist/expat magnets are probably a separate category.

[msittig]

I think *Starbucks* would like Chinese to associate its stores with romance, but that is not the case in reality. A couple months ago Starbucks sponsored a romantic comedy of sorts to run on the LCDs in the Shanghai metro. It was really bad.

I would support the answers given above.

[onebir]

Yunnan actually produces coffee, so you'd think there might be an indigenous coffee culture. But I've seen no evidence of this in Kunming - maybe it exists in the coffee producing areas (further south?)

[simonlaing]

I think that in several places there was and still is mostly tea house culture.

Where people go for date or to hang out and play cards with friends. THey will play 80 points or fight the land lord until late at night usually ordering refillable tea pots of tea and lots of snacks like sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Most of these places also serve food and can double as restaurants but it is more as a place to hang out play cards and talk.

This kind of stuff happens in laid back bars in the west but Bars in china are for the most part more limited and like to pump the music loud.

In suzhou, I used to go to Tea shops a lot with friends, and met people and english corner nights at tea shops. It was a good time. One of my friends said tea shops were a relatively recent occurence as they were shut down in the 70s before which they sometimes had prostitution as a secondary business in them.

Some thoughts,

have fun,

SimoN:)