Introduction:People's Literature Publishing House is set to launch its first cultural and creative café at the historic landmark site Chaonei No. 166. Inspired by classical Chinese literature, the café will feature signature beverages such as "Maple Dew Tea" from Dream of the Red Chamber and recreations of late Qing-era coffee recipes, aiming to create a reading space that blends literary ambiance with sensory flavor experiences. This article details the creative inspirations behind the drinks, the spatial planning, and how such themed cafés can deepen the connection between literature and everyday life.
The bond between literature and coffee runs deep—just as J.K. Rowling conceived the magical world of Harry Potter in Edinburgh’s Elephant House Café, an ordinary café can be immortalized through literary creation. Now, People's Literature Publishing House, with its profound publishing heritage, has announced the opening of a cultural and creative-themed café at its iconic location, Chaonei No. 166. Though the shop will span just over ten square meters, it aspires to become a spiritual haven for humanities readers.
The project had been in the works for some time but was delayed due to the pandemic. In 2022, the publishing house finally confirmed its advancement, hoping to deliver a special surprise to readers. The new café won’t pursue vast commercial space but will focus on refinement and literary immersion, ensuring every visitor is enveloped by a rich bookish atmosphere.
According to sources, the café’s beverage menu will deeply integrate elements of classic Chinese literature. For instance, tea-inspired creations mentioned in Dream of the Red Chamber—such as "Maple Dew Brew" and "Fragrant Spring Water"—will be reimagined as distinctive coffee or tea offerings. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms theme will introduce drinks like "Mocha Happy Encounter" and the playfully named "Zhang Fei Latte with a Hole," blending historical figures with modern coffee flavors. More uniquely, the café will also draw from late Qing literary works such as Officialdom Unmasked and Flowers in the Sea of Sin to recreate period coffee blends, transforming each drink into not just a taste experience but a cultural journey.
Unlike market trends of "Instagrammable" Syrian-style or animal-themed cafés, this literature-focused café prioritizes depth and reading value. The team emphasizes using beverages and spatial design to reconnect customers with literature in daily life—not just for photo ops. Every drink tells a literary story, and staff will provide background insights, allowing patrons to deeper appreciate the works while sipping.
Currently in preparation, the café’s final details—including spatial design and menu—are still being finalized. However, the name will be chosen through a reader-naming contest. Participants are invited to submit creative names of 3 to 7 characters, with winners receiving an all-year unlimited drink membership card to enjoy these literature-inspired beverages. This initiative not only boosts reader engagement but also encourages repeat visits, immersing frequent guests in the dual ambiance of literature and coffee.
The challenge for such themed cafés lies in balancing commercial operations with cultural substance. Many viral cafés may briefly trend but struggle to retain customers due to lack of core content. In contrast, the Chaonei No. 166 cultural café, grounded in classic literature, offers more than drinks—it fosters a space for intellectual exchange. Whether it’s the poetic tea narratives of Journey to the West or the historical teahouse concept of Water Margin, each idea sparks diverse associations and discussions, positioning the café as a new hub for reading communities.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
