Xiamen

Yundang Lu, often referred to as Xiamen’s 'Coffee Street', is a bustling stretch lined with nearly two dozen coffee shops. Perfect for coffee connoisseurs and those craving something sweet, the cafés along the street offer a variety of cakes, pastries, and full menus. Many of these establishments feature outdoor seating, where visitors can enjoy their beverages while taking in scenic views of Yundang Lake.

The Chu family, originally from China, made their fortune in the Philippines during the early 20th century before returning to China in the 1930s, where they constructed their family mansion. In 2008, the mansion was transformed into a charming café, preserving much of its historic architecture and surrounding garden. Today, The Chu Family Coffee is considered one of the iconic spots on Gulangyu Island, offering visitors a relaxing retreat with its unique blend of heritage and modern café culture.

CUPS Café is a must-visit for coffee aficionados in Xiamen. With the owner’s experience as a judge at the World Barista Championship, the café is renowned for its expertise and quality. Their signature cup is a Cold Brew Irgachefe.

If you're eager to deepen your knowledge of coffee, FCR Coffee is the ideal destination. The café’s menu thoughtfully provides detailed descriptions of each type of coffee bean and the various brewing methods. The owner is passionate about sharing insights and is happy to provide additional explanations in person.

Milk tea has always been popular in China and it has gone way further than the classic black tea plus milk. There are thousands of different milk tea varieties, each with different toppings and flavours. Zhang San Feng is a chain of milk tea specialised shops that you can find throughout the city. One of its well-known locations is on Gulangyu Island, where it continues to be a favorite among visitors.