SudhikshaTikTok cafes in China are buzzing like never before, and TikTok has played a starring role in bringing them to the world’s attention. Foodies scrolling through TikTok or Douyin may spot delicate flower-topped pastries, colour-changing drinks, or thematic décor that transforms every corner into a photo opportunity.
Beyond fleeting trends, these cafés offer genuine culinary creativity and thoughtful design, making them worthwhile destinations in their own right. Whether you’re in a bustling metropolis or a quieter historic district, each café tells its own story through flavour, aesthetics, and experiences, inviting visitors not just to eat and drink, but to savour a moment that is as memorable as it is shareable.
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Trending TikTok cafes in China
Sip artfully at Heytea, Shanghai
Image credit: International Services Shanghai
Shanghai continues to lead the way with TikTok cafes in China that blend food and creativity. Heytea’s flagship store in Xintiandi serves cheese-topped teas crafted with an artistic flourish. The drinks themselves are photogenic, but the store’s minimalist décor and neon signs make every sip a snapshot moment. TikTok users rave about the swirling cheese foam that perfectly complements the tea’s natural flavours.
Get a cup of joe at Wow! Coffee in Chengdu
Image credit: Wow! Coffee
Tucked into a leafy residential corner of Chengdu’s Tongzilin district, wow！ Coffee is a lovely discovery for lovers of well-crafted coffee and independent café culture. What sets wow! Coffee apart is its attention to craft. Pour-overs and siphon brews feature on the menu alongside creative speciality coffees. The café has become one of the city’s enduring favourites among locals and visitors seeking a quieter, more thoughtful coffee experience.
Enjoy minimalist brews at Fika Fika Café, Shenzhen
Image credit: Fika Fika Cafe
Shenzhen cafés are all about sleek design and high-quality coffee. Fika Fika Café, for instance, pairs Scandinavian-inspired interiors with specialty brews. TikTok users admire the contrast of clean lines against the carefully poured latte art. Beyond aesthetics, the café’s focus on ethically sourced beans and precise brewing techniques keeps the flavour top-notch.
Get a load of cuteness first-hand at Meow, Guangzhou
Image credit: Globetrender
Meow in Guangzhou delivers a whimsical experience with every cup of coffee. Guests sip cappuccinos surrounded by playful felines, and colourful pastries complete the scene. TikTok users love the combination of cute cats and visually striking desserts, often filming slow-motion paw swipes paired with treats. It’s a must-visit for animal lovers and foodies alike.
Savour the warmth of Nayuki Tea, Hangzhou
Image credit: Dao Insights
Hangzhou blends scenic charm with modern cafe culture, and Nayuki Tea is right at the centre of it. The brand’s Hangzhou outlets have gone viral on TikTok for their hand-crafted fruit teas, seasonal blends, and elegant presentation. Clips often focus on the careful layering of ingredients and the ritual-like preparation behind the counter. With West Lake-inspired flavours and thoughtfully styled interiors, Nayuki offers foodies a place to sip, slow down, and film the artistry in action.
Taste tradition at Seesaw Coffee, Xi’an
Image credit: Arch Daily
Xi’an’s cafe scene is finding its footing through modern reinterpretations of tradition, and Seesaw Coffee is one of the city’s most photographed stops. Known for its specialty brews and minimalist interiors, the café often incorporates regional elements into its presentation, from flavour pairings inspired by local ingredients to ceramic cups that echo traditional design. TikTok and Douyin videos frequently focus on the contrast between ancient city walls outside and the modern interiors.
Bear witness to hugs at 13DE MARZO, Shanghai
Image credit: Reddit
At 13DE MARZO Café on Anfu Road, every drink comes with a tiny teddy bear clinging to the cup, making it a perfect spot for playful photos. The minimalist yet warm interior highlights the plush companions, turning lattes and sparkling teas into social media-ready moments. Visitors can sip, snap, and take home a cuddly keepsake, blending café culture with irresistible charm.
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Finding the next viral bite
If you want to chase TikTok trends in China, it helps to mix research with spontaneity. Explore local recommendations, scroll through trending hashtags, and don’t be afraid to step off the beaten path. Viral cafés often thrive on novelty, so the next must-visit spot might be a hidden alley or a tiny storefront in a residential district.
TikTok cafes in China are more than just pretty faces. They are culinary experiments, interactive adventures, and visual delights. For foodies, visiting these cafés is about experiencing creativity with every sip and bite. And with TikTok constantly spotlighting new favourites, the café scene is always evolving.
