Recently, the “Shanghai-Macau Coffee Rhyme · Curator Dialogue” event was held in Shanghai’s Huangpu District. Thirteen Macau coffee curators gathered with local Shanghai curators for a heartfelt exchange.

Understanding the “City of Coffee” Through Its Urban Fabric

Accompanied by the spring breeze and the city’s pervasive aroma of coffee, the Macau coffee curators embarked on an immersive City Walk in Shanghai.

Starting from Xintiandi, they strolled through Sinan Mansions, INS New Paradise, Lady Huaihai, Culture Square, Nanchang Road, and Maoming South Road. Amidst the blend of century-old architecture and trendy boutiques, they carefully experienced the district’s character of “sophistication, slowness, tranquility, and elegance,” gaining a close-up feel for Shanghai’s coffee culture.

Along the way, the vibrant life of old alleyways, the design sense of independent shops, and the warmth of community coffee spaces intermingled. From spatial design and product presentation to operational models and brand philosophies, the Macau curators continuously compared the differences between the two cities through observation and conversation, gradually understanding the inclusive foundation of Shanghai-style coffee.

Through relaxed walking and exchange, the distance between the youth of Shanghai and Macau quietly closed. “Walking into Huangpu, you truly feel that Shanghai lives up to its reputation as the ‘City of Coffee.’ Here, coffee is not just a beverage but a lifestyle and a form of cultural expression,” one participant noted.

Another Macau curator shared that Shanghai’s open and inclusive coffee atmosphere was impressive. “Every small shop has its own soul, and the practitioners’ passion for coffee is particularly moving.”

Finding Resonance Between Two Cities Through Collaboration

Carrying the authentic feelings from the City Walk, the “Curator Dialogue” session unfolded in a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

“Coffee is a cultural symbol that transcends mountains and seas to reach people’s hearts, and it is an important bond connecting the youth of Shanghai and Macau. We gather over coffee, hoping to become friends through exchange, partners through cooperation, and achieve mutual success through integration,” one speaker said.

A representative from the Ruijin Er Road neighborhood committee shared insights on district characteristics and the entrepreneurial environment: “The Ruijin neighborhood is a place suitable for strolling, lingering, and enjoying coffee. We provide practical support for entrepreneurs and look forward to more Macau youth turning their passion into a career here.”

A representative from the Gold Coffee Alliance stated: “Macau’s creativity and Shanghai’s ecosystem have good complementarity. In the future, we are willing to act as connectors, helping Shanghai coffee enter Macau and Macau brands establish themselves in Huangpu.”

At the exchange, curators from both sides shared their stories and thoughts. One Shanghai curator shared her original aspiration of persevering on Nanchang Road for 18 years. Another community shop curator told a heartwarming story about retaining regular customers through trust. A representative from a Yunnan coffee plantation extended an invitation to the Macau curators to visit Yunnan and taste excellent Chinese coffee beans together.

Event scene.

Moving from “Acquaintance” to “Appointment” Through Exchange

As the exchange deepened, a hand-brewing skills exchange session was held. This segment lacked competitive tension, focusing instead on relaxed sharing. Coffee curators from Shanghai and Macau poured water, extracted, and tasted together, allowing the flavors of specialty coffee beans like Yunnan Geisha, Ethiopian, and Kenyan to bloom slowly in their cups. Simultaneously, this aroma further sublimated the friendship between the two places.

Taking this opportunity, an invitation was extended to the Huangpu coffee curators, hoping to welcome Shanghai peers to the Macau Autumn Coffee Festival in October, to make the interaction between the two cities deeper and more substantive.

“Though coffee is small, it can connect two cities, connect a group of people, and connect the future,” one participant remarked.

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Xintiandi

Xintiandi is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment district in Shanghai, China, known for its preserved traditional *shikumen* (“stone gate”) architecture. Historically a 19th-century residential area, it was redeveloped in the early 2000s to blend historic façades with modern interiors. The site is also notable as the location of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, adding to its cultural significance.

Sinan Mansions

Sinan Mansions is a historic residential area in Shanghai’s former French Concession, known for its well-preserved garden villas built in the 1920s and 1930s. Originally housing foreign elites and wealthy Chinese, it exemplifies the blend of Western architectural styles with Shanghai’s Shikumen influences. Today, it has been revitalized into a high-end commercial and cultural district featuring boutiques, galleries, and restaurants while retaining its historic charm.

INS New Paradise

Based on available information, “INS New Paradise” does not appear to be a publicly recognized historical place, cultural site, or a commissioned vessel of the Indian Navy (which uses the prefix INS). It is likely a fictional name from a creative work, such as a book, film, or video game. Therefore, no historical summary can be provided.

Lady Huaihai

“Lady Huaihai” is not a widely recognized historical place or cultural site. It may refer to a local nickname, a modern establishment, or a figure from regional folklore, but it lacks a clear, documented history in mainstream cultural or historical records. Without more specific context, a definitive summary cannot be provided.

Culture Square

Culture Square is a large public plaza located in the heart of Xi’an, China, originally constructed in the early 1990s. It is situated directly in front of the city’s iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, serving as a modern gathering space that contrasts with the surrounding ancient monuments. The square is a central hub for public events, celebrations, and daily life, symbolizing the blend of Xi’an’s historic past with its contemporary urban development.

Nanchang Road

Nanchang Road is a historic commercial street in Shanghai, China, known for its vibrant shopping and dining scene. Originally developed in the early 20th century within the former French Concession, it became a bustling hub for local commerce and culture. Today, it blends modern retail with preserved architectural elements from its cosmopolitan past.

Maoming South Road

Maoming South Road is a historic and culturally significant street in Shanghai, China, known for its deep connection to the city’s French Concession era. Originally developed in the early 20th century, it became famous for its elegant plane trees, European-style villas, and its association with notable literary and political figures. Today, it remains a popular, tree-lined avenue renowned for its upscale shopping, dining, and well-preserved historical architecture.

Ruijin Er Road

Ruijin Er Road is a historic street in Shanghai, China, known for its well-preserved European-style architecture from the city’s French Concession era (circa early 20th century). Today, it is a popular, tree-lined cultural and leisure area filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, reflecting its transformation from a residential enclave into a vibrant hub of modern urban life.