China's Specialty Coffee Boom — a Surprise for Many Visitors

I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Many Arabs are surprised to learn China has become one of the world's biggest specialty coffee markets — not just tea! China's coffee market reached 354.9 billion yuan in 2025, and the number of specialty coffee shops keeps doubling every year in the major cities.

Quick Answer

China has become one of the world's biggest specialty coffee markets (¥354.9 billion in 2025). Manner Coffee is the cheapest option (¥15-20/cup), and Shanghai has the highest concentration of shops. Upscale specialty coffee runs ¥45-80 — close to London prices.

☕ Manner Coffee from ¥15-20🏙️ Shanghai: highest concentration💎 Upscale coffee ¥45-80

The Top Local Chains

Manner Coffee is China's best-known homegrown coffee chain — it started in 2015 from a tiny 2-square-meter stall in Shanghai, and grew to over 1,800 locations across 49 Chinese cities by 2025. Prices are relatively affordable, around ¥15-20 a cup — much cheaper than Starbucks. Other well-known chains: %Arabica (branches in major cities), and M Stand at a higher price point (¥35-45) for a genuine specialty coffee experience.

Where Do You Find It?

Shanghai has the highest concentration of specialty coffee shops in China — it alone had over 94 Manner branches by 2021. Beijing has distinctively-designed coffee shops like PH Coffee and Metal Hands. Specialty coffee prices (filter or espresso) at upscale shops run ¥45-80 — close to London prices.

💡 Tip from experience: if you want to save, chains like Manner or Luckin Coffee (mobile app) are much cheaper than the fancier specialty shops, and they're nearly everywhere.

Quick Summary

China's coffee market: ¥354.9 billion (2025)
Manner Coffee: 1,800+ branches in 49 cities, ¥15-20 a cup
Shanghai: the highest concentration of specialty coffee shops
Upscale specialty coffee: ¥45-80 a cup

Planning a Trip to China?

I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Message me on WhatsApp and I'll point you to the best coffee shops in whichever city you're visiting, or visit the custom trip planning page.