Coffee culture adds fuel to Nansha economy

A seaside coffee festival in Guangzhou's Nansha district during the May Day holiday highlighted the city's broader ambitions of using coffee culture to attract young consumers, entrepreneurs and talent.

At Nansha Bay's Shiao Space, sea views, European-style buildings and the aroma of roasted beans created what organizers described as Guangzhou's only "seaview coffee scene". More than 15 coffee brands gathered there, offering hand-brewed drinks, special blends, competitions, parties and pet-friendly activities.

A tourist buys some coffee at Nansha Bay's Shiao Space. [Phtot/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

But the bigger story lies beyond the market. Coffee has been spreading into villages, waterfront neighborhoods and community spaces across Nansha, becoming part of people’s daily life. Local cafés have emerged alongside major chains, while coffee week events have brought together young people from Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao to exchange ideas, test recipes and even look for business partners.

Creative coffee drinks at Nansha's coastal market. [Phtot/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

For Nansha, coffee also reflects its role as an open and connected city. As an important gateway for green coffee beans entering China, the district is linking global trade with local consumption, while using a youthful urban atmosphere to support entrepreneurship, jobs and long-term growth.