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Comprehensive Guide to the Best Specialty Cafes in Jingan Shanghai

China AI Search32 min readxiaohongshu
#Shanghai coffee#Jing'an cafes#specialty coffee#Shanghai city walk#China travel guide#Jing'an Temple#workspace cafes#lifestyle blog

Shanghai is widely considered the coffee capital of the world, boasting more cafes than any other city. At the heart of this caffeine-fueled revolution is the Jing’an District, a neighborhood where towering skyscrapers meet historic lanes and golden temples. Whether you are looking for a precision-brewed pour-over, a workspace for the afternoon, or a view of the iconic Jing’an Temple, the local coffee scene offers something for everyone.

Based on a deep dive into local social media trends and expert reviews, we have curated the ultimate guide to the cafes of Jing’an, Shanghai.

The Heavy Hitters: Technical Mastery and Unique Concepts

For those who take their beans seriously, Jing’an hosts several "destination" cafes known for their technical skill and innovative service models.

D.ORINO COFFEE (833 Kangding Road) has earned a reputation for serving what many locals call the best Flat White in the city. The experience here is tactile; the owner hand-makes the ceramic cups used in the shop, believing that the texture and shape of the vessel directly influence the flavor profile of the coffee. It is a small, intimate space with only about 10 bar seats, often resulting in a wait on weekends.

Another standout is Oaks19, which brings the "Omakase" concept to coffee. Instead of a standard menu, guests fill out an emotion questionnaire or share personal preferences, allowing the barista to craft a custom drink that reflects their personality. For pastry lovers, BAsdBAN on Yuyuan Road is the go-to spot, famous for its industrial-chic interior and signature croissants, specifically the "Not a Tart" (不是蛋挞).

If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere with high-quality brews, Looplab on Xinzha Road is a favorite. Run by owners from Xinjiang, they are famous for their "Dirty Coffee" and freshly baked desert scones. It’s the kind of place where locals return for the friendly service and consistent quality.

Iconic Views: Coffee by the Golden Temple

Jing’an Temple is the spiritual and visual center of the district. Several cafes leverage this proximity to offer stunning views of the temple’s golden rooftops, a perfect backdrop for photography.

The People (看得见风景的咖啡馆), located on the 8th floor of a nearby business building, features a massive terrace. Sipping a Pineapple Latte while looking directly over the temple’s intricate architecture is a quintessential Shanghai experience.

For a more modern take, ROASTELIER by Nestlé offers a "Blessing Latte" (祈福拿铁). This spot features on-site roasting machines and unique cup sleeves with peel-off fortunes. It captures the local blend of tradition and modern retail perfectly.

The "Third Space": Best Cafes for Productivity

In a city as fast-paced as Shanghai, the "third space"—a place between home and work—is vital. Jing’an is home to several cafes designed specifically for digital nomads and students.

  • Blue Bottle Coffee (Jing'an Kerry Centre): Known for its minimalist aesthetic and high "seat success rate," this location offers large tables and plenty of natural light, making it an ideal weekend workspace.
  • Moxy Cafe: Tucked inside the Moxy Hotel on Jiangning Road, this cafe features a dedicated second floor with long office-style desks and plentiful power outlets.
  • An Coffee: A quiet community favorite on Changhua Road where the peaceful atmosphere is maintained throughout the afternoon before it transitions into a bar at night.

Heritage and Hidden Gems

One of the greatest joys of exploring Jing’an is finding cafes hidden within renovated historic mansions. These spots offer a "secret garden" vibe away from the street noise.

Spot Table is located at the former residence of He Dong (designed by the famous architect Hudec). It is a glass-walled flower house cafe that feels more like an art gallery than a coffee shop. Similarly, 1691 Cafe & Bar on Fengxian Road adopts a "Shakespeare bookstore" style, with dark, European retro tones that are incredibly popular for social media photos.

For a taste of history, Shanghai Old Coffee near the temple is a must-visit. It occupies a historic building and claims to be the first coffee shop opened by Chinese owners in the city, offering a nostalgic look at "Old Shanghai" culture.

Exploring by Foot: The Coffee Walk Clusters

Shanghai has embraced the "City Walk" trend—intentional wandering through neighborhoods to discover local gems. In Jing’an, three streets stand out as perfect coffee-hopping routes:

  1. Shaanxi North Road: A short stretch packed with elite shops like bobac (try the Pretzel Latte) and todos los dias, famous for its scones.
  2. Julu Road: Known for its relaxed, "chill" vibe. Plusone is a highlight here, offering a two-story villa experience with a terrace overlooking the street.
  3. Yuyuan Road: A historic road featuring into_the force, an industrial-style spot known for high-quality "Dirty" coffee.

Cultural Context: Early C, Late A

To truly understand Shanghai’s cafe culture, one must understand the phrase "Early C, Late A" (日咖夜酒). This refers to the popular business model of serving Coffee by day and Alcohol by night. Many shops in Jing’an, such as Lark Coffee & Bar and An Coffee, transition seamlessly from bright, caffeine-focused workspaces to moody, sophisticated cocktail bars as the sun sets.

Another unique trend is the integration of personality tests like MBTI into the cafe experience. The MBTI Institute on Fumin Road serves drinks tailored to your personality type, complete with themed stickers and souvenirs, highlighting how coffee in Shanghai is as much about identity and social connection as it is about the drink itself.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Timing: Most cafes in Jing’an are busiest during the lunch rush (12:00–14:00) when office workers flood the streets. For a quiet seat, aim for 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
  • Experience vs. Takeout: Many specialty shops, particularly D.ORINO, emphasize the importance of "dine-in" (堂食). The choice of glassware or ceramic is often part of the intended flavor experience.
  • Sustainability and Souvenirs: Keep an eye out for unique cup sleeves. At Roastelier, the heat-sensitive sleeves change color to reveal a picture of the temple.

Jing’an remains the beating heart of Shanghai’s specialty coffee world. Whether you are a connoisseur or a casual traveler, these streets offer a window into the city's modern, sophisticated, and deeply creative lifestyle.

📍 Locations Guide

Place NameAddress/AreaMap
D.ORINO COFFEE833 Kangding Road, Jing'anOpen Map
Oaks1972-1 Nanyang Road, Jing'anOpen Map
BAsdBAN546 Yuyuan Road, Jing'anOpen Map
Looplab1525 Xinzha Road, Jing'anOpen Map
The PeopleJing'an Temple Area (8th Floor)Open Map
ROASTELIER by Nestlé151 Yuyuan Road, Jing'anOpen Map
Shanghai Old CoffeeHuashan Road (near Exit 12)Open Map
Blue Bottle CoffeeJing'an Kerry CentreOpen Map
Moxy CafeJiangning RoadOpen Map
Spot Table457 Shaanxi North RoadOpen Map
1691 Cafe & Bar218 Fengxian Road, Jing'anOpen Map
Plusone794 Julu Road, Jing'anOpen Map
MBTI InstituteFumin Road, Jing'anOpen Map

Image Gallery

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This article is based on trending content from xiaohongshu. View the original search results and detailed analysis to explore the individual posts and community insights that inspired this piece.

6395 words8 imagesBased on 55 social media posts
Published: 1/30/2026