Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival brews up new coffee economy

Once an occasional indulgence, coffee has become a daily staple in Shanghai. The 2026 Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival, which opened on May 9 at Shanghai's Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center, celebrates this shift by unlocking a new coffee economy.

This year's festival presents a vibrant fusion of coffee with culture, business, tourism, and sports. Nearly 30 themed activities are set to take place, highlighting the city's dynamic coffee culture and its integral role in Shanghai's lifestyle.

The festival launched a consumption map, offering event previews, discounts, and interactive features. Five themed routes cater to diverse interests, from art and commerce to travel and sports.

International collaboration is a focal point, with strategic partnerships formed between the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center and the Asian Coffee Association to boost trade.

The 2026 China Urban Coffee Development Report reveals that Shanghai now hosts over 10,000 coffee outlets and that China's coffee industry grew to 354.9 billion yuan ($51.9 billion) in 2025, marking a 13.3 percent increase from the previous year.

This boom reflects the maturity of China's coffee industry, with Shanghai leading the nation in consumption at 106.14 cups per person in 2025. The festival not only celebrates this cultural shift but also heralds a thriving coffee economy.