Introduction:Stepping into Beijing’s Xishiku 1901 Cafe is like traveling back in time, immersing you in a historic building from a century ago. This gray three-story annex, completed in 1901, was once the dormitory for senior clergy and has now transformed into a unique venue that blends historical ambiance with modern coffee culture. This article will guide you through the design of its second and third floors, and offer an in-depth tasting and review of signature dishes such as cheese, rose tea, and poutine, along with practical consumption advice and reflections on the spatial experience.
Within the architectural complex of Beijing’s Xishiku Church stands a gray three-story annex built in 1901, originally serving as housing for senior clergy. It has now been reborn as a deeply historic cafe — 1901 Cafe. Here, the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural details is preserved, while also embracing the leisurely atmosphere of a modern cafe, making it a hidden gem for many literati and history enthusiasts.
When it comes to “Xishiku,” many may recall a significant historical event from the late Qing Dynasty’s Boxer Rebellion. At that time, Qing troops and the Boxers besieged Xishiku Church and the Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter, leading to intense clashes that became a pivotal turning point in the movement. Originally named the “Church of the Savior,” this church has been one of the largest and oldest Catholic churches in the Beijing area since its establishment in 1703. Its Gothic main structure boasts 11 spires and was once the tallest building within Beijing’s inner city.
Xishiku Church is not just a religious site but an entire architectural complex. The featured annex of this article — home to 1901 Cafe — was donated to the church by Zhang Wenrong, a renowned Western-style builder from the late Qing and early Republican period. It long served as the clergy dormitory until before the Cultural Revolution. Though lacking Gothic spires or Baroque curves, this 1901-built three-story structure skillfully fuses various styles and still stands today.
Today, this historic building has been given new life as a cafe named “1901 Cafe.” Its name directly references the year of the building’s completion, carrying a simple yet time-honored charm. Based on an on-site visit, the average per-person expenditure is around 80 yuan, and its address is No. 101, Xi’anmennei Street, Xicheng District — an ideal spot for visitors who enjoy coffee and light meals in a historic setting.
Upon entering the cafe, the first thing that greets you is an atmosphere that transcends time. Push open the slightly creaky wooden door, and the dim yellow light spills onto the aged wooden structures, as if one step away takes you back a hundred years. The first floor mainly consists of the ordering area and a few scattered seats. Friendly staff with northeastern and authentic Beijing accents warmly greet guests, offering a variety of choices including coffee, Western-style light meals, and desserts. However, to fully experience the charm of the space, it’s recommended to head straight to the second or third floor.
Ascend the slightly timeworn wooden staircase to reach the second floor. This space is more expansive, featuring multiple rest areas composed of dark wooden tables and chairs, bookshelves, and small sofas. Window seats are particularly popular, with soft lighting creating the perfect environment for quiet reading or casual conversation. The spacious lounge sofa area is an ideal choice for couples or friends to gather, relax, and enjoy a slow moment together.
Going up to the third floor reveals several more private, independent small rooms, some of which can be curtained off, making them suitable for small gatherings or for visitors needing a quiet workspace. However, considering the overall spatial atmosphere and seating arrangement, most visitors find the seats on the second floor more atmospheric and conducive to immersing themselves in the unique blend of history and modernity.
In terms of food and drinks, 1901 Cafe offers a variety of signature light meals and beverages. The “Cheese” (priced at 36 yuan), according to our test, has a relatively light color and flavor, not particularly rich. According to staff, it is not made with yogurt but with a special type of cream — customers unfamiliar with baking ingredients may find it difficult to discern its exact composition. Overall, it is a moderately satisfactory offering.
Another item, “Rose Tea,” is available either as a single cup for 48 yuan or a pot for 78 yuan. However, many visitors noted that the pot does not seem to offer double the expected volume, making its value a matter of personal perspective. As for the “Poutine” (priced at 38 yuan), this snack originating from 1950s Quebec combines mozzarella cheese with beef brisket and mushroom sauce served atop hot fries, drizzled with a bit of ketchup. The overall texture is rich, the fries are non-greasy and generously portioned, though some customers expressed a preference for the simpler taste of traditional ketchup alone.
Overall, 1901 Cafe is not only a great place to enjoy coffee and light meals, but also a cultural space where you can experience the charm of old Beijing’s historic architecture. It is recommended that visitors avoid weekend afternoons when it is most crowded, or choose off-peak meal times to better enjoy a leisurely, undisturbed experience. If you love sipping coffee amidst a space filled with stories, this cafe is definitely worth adding to your Beijing coffee exploration list.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
