Explore a unique side of Shanghai's vibrant coffee scene at these cafes that are making a difference. From employing people with disabilities to supporting the elderly and deaf community, these spots offer more than just great coffee – they serve up warmth, inclusion, and a chance to make a positive impact. Discover the stories behind each cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee that delights your taste buds and warms your heart.

1. Bear Paw Cafe

[Photo/Official WeChat accounts of Bear Paw Cafe]

Tucked away at No 68 Yongkang Road in Xuhui district, Bear Paw Cafe – officially called Hinichijou – is a small, unique spot with a big heart. What sets this cafe apart is its quirky "bear paw" service – customers receive their coffee from a fluffy bear paw that emerges from a small black hole in the wall. This playful idea was the brainchild of founder Wang Tian, who wanted to create a welcoming space for people with disabilities, especially those with social anxiety. Most of the staff at Bear Paw Cafe are people with disabilities, who gain not only employment but also confidence and a sense of community. As the first of its kind in Shanghai, this cafe has become a symbol of inclusion and warmth, offering its employees a chance to thrive and connect with others.

Open: Daily, 8 am - 5:30 pm

Address: No 68 Yongkang Road, Xuhui district

2. Dream Workshop Cafe

[Photo/WeChat account: Hongkou_Commercial]

Dream Workshop Cafe, located at No 712 Xijiangwan Road in Hongkou district, is a special place where young adults with intellectual disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome, take center stage. These talented baristas, trained in the art of coffee-making, serve up delicious coffee and Western-style pastries with care and dedication. The cafe is not only a cozy gathering spot but also a job training center for people with disabilities in the Guangzhong Road area, helping them gain skills and find meaningful employment. Every cup of coffee there tells a story of hard work and sincerity and customers who visit are supporting a great cause. Dream Workshop Cafe also organizes charity sales, with proceeds going to the Shanghai Disabled Persons Federation to further support the community.

Open: Daily, 9:30 am - 5 pm

Address: No 712 Xijiangwan Road, Hongkou district

3. Yi Bei Coffee

[Photo/WeChat account: xuhuilvyou]

Located at No 18 Puhuitang Road in Xuhui district, Yi Bei Coffee is a cafe with a mission – run by people with disabilities, it provides a space for them to integrate into society and achieve their employment dreams. The baristas, including individuals with autism and hearing impairments, have undergone extensive training and are skilled in creating excellent coffee. Yi Bei Coffee is more than just a place to get your caffeine fix; it's a community that warmly supports its staff and cause. The cafe is also a "barrier-free" space – allowing unrestricted accessibility for people with different physical or other abilities – located near a community canteen and a rehabilitation center. As such, it offers comprehensive care and support for people with disabilities. The success of Yi Bei Coffee represents hope and opportunity for many families with disabled members.

Open: Daily, 8 am - 5:30 pm

Address: No 18 Puhuitang Road, Xuhui district

4. LiLi Time

[Photo/WeChat account: shcoffeeweek]

LiLi Time, at No 63 East Mengzi Road in Huangpu district, is a cafe founded by owner Zhang Lili with a deep sense of love and community. After returning to Shanghai from Germany in 2013, Zhang created this cafe to rekindle the close-knit neighborhood spirit she missed. In 2014, when a young deaf man asked to learn how to make coffee, Zhang's journey to support the deaf community began. Today, LiLi Time is a place where deaf baristas shine, gaining confidence and pride through their work. The cafe sticks to traditional ordering methods, encouraging interaction between customers and the deaf baristas, building confidence and connection. LiLi Time also takes its social responsibility seriously, organizing volunteers to deliver coffee to sanitation workers and delivery drivers and it's proud to be B Corp certified for its commitment to positive impact.

Open: Daily, 10 am - 7 pm

Address: No 63 East Mengzi Road, Huangpu district

5. Yi • The Coffee Club

[Photo/WeChat account: changning_culture]

Nestled on No 1437 Hongqiao Road in Changning district, Yi• The Coffee Club is Shanghai's first charity cafe run entirely by senior volunteers. This cozy cafe, set in a charming wooden house surrounded by greenery, is more than just a place to grab a coffee – it's a community hub. Established in 2017, Yi• The Coffee Club has a mission to bring generations together, with all profits supporting elderly individuals in need, including those who live alone and military families. The baristas, all retired volunteers, bring warmth and hospitality to every interaction. The cafe also offers spaces for parties and events, making it a popular spot for both regulars and newcomers. Depending on the season, you'll find special drinks and desserts that add to the cafe's welcoming vibe.

Open: Daily, 9:30 am - 5 pm

Address: No 1437 Hongqiao Road, Changning district

Sources: chinanews.com, "shchangning", "shhongkou", "xuhuifabu", "shcoffeeweek", "changning_culture", "Hongkou_Commercial", "xuhuilvyou" WeChat accounts, official WeChat accounts of Bear Paw Cafe and Hongkou District Disabled Persons Federation