Beijing's Viral Bathhouse Cafe: Drinks and Cupping Therapy

Beijing's latest viral sensation isn't your typical coffee shop. Qinghuachi Cafe (清华池咖啡) transforms a traditional Chinese bathhouse setting into a surreal coffee experience, complete with cupping therapy and retro spa vibes. This themed cafe has become a social media phenomenon for its bizarre blend of wellness culture and caffeine.

What to Expect

The cafe meticulously recreates an 80s-era Beijing bathhouse, from blue-and-white mosaic tiles to vintage shower heads hanging from the ceiling. The centerpiece is a life-sized sculpture of a portly man lying face-down on a massage table with traditional fire cupping jars on his back. Menu items playfully embrace the bathhouse theme with drinks named "Bath Water" (a blue lemonade served in tub-shaped cups) and "Soap Mousse" (a white rectangular dessert that looks exactly like a bar of soap).

Beyond the Instagram-worthy aesthetics, you can actually experience traditional Chinese cupping therapy while sipping your coffee. The cafe offers "special coffee flavors" alongside "creative soap cakes," though reviews suggest the drinks are decent but not exceptional — you're really paying for the novelty.

How to Get There

Located in Heping Guoju (和平菓局) on the B2 level of Wangfujing Department Store at 255 Wangfujing Street, the cafe is easily accessible via Wangfujing Metro Station (Line 1). Once inside the department store, take the escalator down two levels and look for signs to Heping Guoju — the retro-themed cultural space that houses the cafe.

Practical Details

The cafe averages ¥26 per person with a 3.9-star rating on Dianping, making it reasonably priced for the experience. Hours are typically 10:00-22:00 daily. During peak times, expect to queue as this has become a major tourist attraction. The best photo opportunities are during off-peak weekday mornings when crowds are lighter.

Planning a Beijing trip? Check our Beijing city guide for more unique experiences.