In recent years, more and more rural coffee shops have emerged from the fields, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. These hidden gems in the countryside are tranquil havens, perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Join us on a journey to discover the charm of these unique "village cafes"!

Song Jian | 崧见

Located in the Zhaoxiang Town of Qingpu District, Songze is a place where the origins of Shanghai civilization can be traced. Here, one can find Shanghai's "first rice," "first well," "first person," "first house," and "first village."

Song Jian is nestled in the Songze Yingxiang area. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the space feels open and inviting. The interior decor is impressive, featuring many interesting decorations that make it ideal to snap great photos.

Most visitors here are locals or freelancers. You can enjoy a game of chess, drink coffee or juice, or relax with a good book on comfortable sofas. People come here to escape the hustle and enjoy peace and tranquility.

The outdoor area is designed with spacious camping tents where friends or family members can gather, sipping coffee and chatting while enjoying the natural surroundings — a truly relaxing experience.

Opening hours: 9am-8pm

Tel: 180 1750 0369

Address: 31 Songze Yingxiang, Zhaoxiang Town, Qingpu District 青浦区赵巷镇崧泽村 31 号崧泽映巷

Hula | 胡光里

This artistic cafe is located in Huguang Courtyard. With white walls, black tiles, carved doors, and windows, the space is adorned with flowers and a flowing stream, reflecting the charm of traditional Chinese architecture, perfectly complementing the nearby rice fields.

Step inside, sit in a corner of the courtyard, and enjoy your coffee while soaking up the serene surroundings — a perfect retreat for city dwellers seeking relaxation and rural charm.

The cafe also offers a range of unique drinks inspired by local village culture. There are 16 themed dishes and drinks named after the Maogang Town, each one reflecting the culture and heritage of the area.

During the day, the courtyard serves coffee, tea, and light bites, offering a relaxing spot to unwind. By night, it transforms into a bar, offering a selection of drinks and snacks.

Opening hours: 10am-5:30pm

Tel: 189 6481 2061 / 130 2216 5965

Address: 666 Huguang Village, Maogang Town, Songjiang District 松江区泖港镇胡光村 666 号

Buffer Cafe | 抱弗咖啡

Buffer Cafe is in an art gallery in Sheshan Town.

The space is designed with stone-paved paths and features a peaceful yard with a thatched pavilion, bamboo tables and chairs, and trees, creating a laid-back atmosphere. The rich scent of coffee fills the air, blending harmoniously with the rural landscape.

In autumn and winter, you can try new drinks like red date longan tea and fig rose lattes. Plus, pets are welcome here.

The art gallery next door hosts occasional exhibitions, so you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while exploring the art on display.

Opening hours: 9:30am-6pm

Tel: 153 0056 9740

Address: 304 Sanjiezhi Village, Sheshan Town, Songjiang District 松江区佘山镇三界址村304号

Z³ Coffee | Z³ 咖啡 简餐 本帮菜

Located in Hongyang Village of Tinglin Town, Jinshan District, Z³ Coffee offers a unique fusion of rich coffee and traditional local dishes.

The cafe is surrounded by low bamboo fences, exuding a sense of tranquility and nostalgia. When you push open the wooden gates, you’re transported into a peaceful retreat.

A thatched tent stands on one side, gently swaying in the wind, creating an atmosphere of simplicity and rustic charm.

Opening hours: 10am-7pm

Tel: 187 2103 4559

Address: No. 2009, Group 8, Hongyang Village, Tinglin Town, Jinshan District (at the intersection of Daci Rd and Tingwei Highway) 金山区亭林镇红阳村8组2009号大慈路亭卫公路交叉点

Coffee·Sweet·Food | 猫的冰事之山凹凹

This cafe’s design and decor are filled with a strong rural charm. The courtyard features swings, grass lawns, and a tranquil atmosphere, much like the idyllic countryside you’ve always dreamed of. The interior is beautifully decorated, with every corner perfect for photography. After a stroll along the country paths, you can relax with a coffee or sparkling drink and enjoy a variety of snacks and desserts.

In the evenings, sitting in the courtyard watching the sky change is especially pleasant. The second floor also has a scenic balcony offering a panoramic view of the nearby village.

The cafe also introduces seasonal drinks and cakes, allowing you to indulge in the peaceful countryside vibe.

Opening hours: 11am-6pm

Tel: 158 5019 7877 / 133 8648 4371

Address: 611 Liyao Village, Qingcun Town, Fengxian District 奉贤区青村镇李窑村 611 号

515 Arts Centre | 515 咖啡艺术中心

Located in Miao Town, the 515 Arts Centre is a riverfront industrial loft cafe. Since opening, it has become a popular hotspot on Chongming Island, with some days seeing as many as 2,000 cups of coffee sold.

Step into the 515 Arts Centre, and you'll be greeted by a strong sense of vintage charm. This "village cafe" has been transformed from an old factory, standing by the water in a simple yet wild setting.

Inside, the retro industrial decor is full of personality, with graffiti and motorcycles scattered around, showcasing the cafe's youthful energy. Looking out the windows, the industrial feel of the old factory blends perfectly with the river view, creating a natural piece of art.

The cafe repurposed old factory walls, turning them into hand-painted murals featuring the word "Chongming," attracting many visitors taking photos and enjoying a unique experience.

The barista has developed special drinks like saffron lattes and pear-based coffee drinks, along with creative cultural products.

At 515 you can enjoy a coffee while experiencing the peace of the countryside, bask in the sunshine, and take in the riverside scenery — letting go of all worries and immersing yourself in a slow-paced village life.

Opening hours: 9:30am-6pm

Tel: 199 0160 6003

Address: 515 Honghai Highway, Miao Town, Chongming District 崇明区庙镇宏海公路 515 号

Garden Coffee | 春申咖啡

Garden Coffee, in Qizhong Village, Maqiao Town, Minhang District, is an enchanting garden-themed cafe.

Maqiao Town is named after the four stone bridges in the area, which are arranged in a way that resembles the shape of a horse. This area is not only home to the Maqiao culture, which is regarded as the "foundation of Shanghai," but also to Qizhong Village, known as "The No.1 village of East China."

Nestled within a garden center, the shop, which has become a favorite destination for both local villagers and urban visitors, takes the form of a cozy wooden cabin, with a classic deep coffee color and a charming green roof. You can sip their drinks while being enveloped by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

Blending the essence of a coffee bar, flower arrangements, and more, the cafe also offers a spacious vegetable garden where visitors can connect with nature.

The vegetable garden is a large greenhouse of over 1,000 square meters, divided into 72 small garden plots. Each plot is about 14 square meters. Once you claim a plot, the cafe provides basic gardening tools, seasonal vegetable and fruit seeds. If you'd like to plant something else, you can purchase your own seeds. This small piece of land is entirely yours to nurture.

Opening hours: 8:30am-4pm

Tel: N/A

Address: 3300 Guanghua Rd, Maqiao Town, Minhang District 闵行区光华路 3300 号

He Coffee | 和咖啡

He Coffee is at the intersection of Gaoqiao Road and Dangli Road in Baijia Village, Zhangyan Town. Surrounded by green trees and lakes, the cafe feels like a hidden gem nestled in the forest.

The outdoor area is carefully decorated with art pieces, adding a cultural touch to the serene environment. From the lakeside, the blue sky, white clouds, and green trees reflect in the water, creating a picturesque setting.

Stepping inside, the cafe offers a spacious and bright area of about 60 square meters. With the windows open, the lush greenery outside creates a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere.

According to the manager, the cafe sells 50-100 cups of coffee daily on weekdays, and 200-300 cups on weekends. In addition, the cafe has established online sales channels, selling coffee through live streaming.

You can also bring your beloved pet to share in the calm and beauty of the surroundings.

Opening hours: 9:30am-5:30pm

Tel: 193 0147 7032

Address: No. 1195-1 Gaoqiao, the intersection of Gaoqiao Rd and Dangli Rd, Zhangyan Town, Jinshan District 金山区张堰镇，高桥路荡里路交叉口高桥1195-1号

Ya Dai Li | 吖dai哩

Unique for its integration of forest and coffee culture, this cafe is made up of three black shipping containers artfully arranged to create a one-of-a-kind space.

The wooden interior matches beautifully with the surrounding greenery, and sunlight streams through the glass walls, creating a harmonious atmosphere that blends nature with modern design.

Coffee here is aromatic and rich, and the tranquil environment adds to the overall relaxing experience.

Opening hours: 10am-7:30pm

Tel: 173 6703 8758

Address: 1588-1860 Jinzhang Highway, Luxiang Town, Jinshan District 金山区吕巷镇金张公路1588-1860号