Introduction:In Taipei, there is a uniquely distinctive café called "Qian Niao Exhibition Hall" that sparked widespread discussion due to its unusual rule: children under the age of 12 must recite 30 decimal places of pi from memory to be allowed entry. This rule is not only designed to protect animal specimens worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, but also serves as a way to test children’s self-control. This article delves into the origins of this policy, how it is actually enforced, the public’s mixed reactions, and also introduces the rare animal specimens and displays inside the shop.
How many decimal places of pi can you recite? Many people might only remember 3.14, and those more familiar might recall up to 3.1415926, but a café in Taipei, Taiwan named "Qian Niao Exhibition Hall" requireschildren under 12 who wish to dine into accurately recite 30 decimal places of pi,
a special requirement that quickly became a hot topic.
This café in Taipei is famous for displaying over a hundred rare animal specimens, including giraffes, zebras, peacocks, and even less common species such as impalas and Arctic puffins. The lifelike figures are highly eye-catching.However, these exquisite specimens are not just ordinary decorations. It is reported that the most expensive among them, a giraffe specimen, is priced as high as 600,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 136,200 RMB), while other animal specimens are mostly priced in the five to six-digit range. Therefore, the shop owner admitted that this rule was set partly toprotect the valuable exhibits from potential damage risks
and also to provide children with an opportunity to prove they possess sufficient self-control.
As soon as this rule was announced, it immediately triggered polarized discussions among netizens. Some questioned whether this was discrimination against children. Others even retorted: "Can the shop owners do it themselves?" They argued that memorizing pi does not equate to having good self-discipline, and if this is the standard, adults should be subjected to the same test; otherwise, it could be seen as picking on children or even a form of disguised humiliation.
However, many netizens expressed support for the shop’s creative rule. Some believe it not only tests the attitude of parents but also gives children a stage to prove themselves. Among the comments were praises such as: “This method tests the adults as well as encourages the kids” and “I like rules that let you prove yourself, creating fairness without shutting out possibilities.”
Upon entering "Qian Niao Exhibition Hall," what catches your eye are the various lifelike animal specimens — from common zebras and giraffes to rarer ones like impalas, deer antelope, and dwarf antelope. Each specimen is preserved in excellent condition and looks incredibly vivid, resembling a small natural history museum.π = 3.1415926535 8979323846 2643383279The shop owner explained that since it's uncertain whether all children have good self-control, to avoid any potential accidental damage, this special rule was established. However, he also emphasized that he doesn’t want to completely deny children the chance to prove themselves, so a “challenge” is specially offered: as long as one can recite 30 decimal places of pi, they are allowed to dine in. The shop has even thoughtfully provided a reference cheat sheet:
According to psychological research,children under the age of 15 typically have short-term memory that is 1.5 times that of adults, so this challenge is not impossible for certain age groups. In fact, two children have already successfully memorized and dined in the café — a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old — both reportedly completing the challenge in about an hour.
Besides animal specimens, the shop also displays many valuable antiques and vintage clothing, which are equally pricey. This environment is not just a café, but more like a composite space that blends art and nature. The shop owner stated that this rule is not only to prevent possible damage but also aims to educate visitors, especially children, about respecting valuable items and public spaces.
Although this entry rule is unique, it has also sparked public reflection on children’s behavior management, public space responsibility, and educational approaches. Regardless of one’s stance, it is undeniable that "Qian Niao Exhibition Hall" has successfully stood out in the coffee market with its creative approach and become a popular topic of conversation.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
