As spring breezes sweep across Shanghai, something special is brewing. Amid white-walled cottages, vast rice fields, and quiet lanes, coffee culture has taken root in the city's rural corners. There is no need to venture far. Step into a sunlit courtyard, settle in, and savor the season.

Huanxi Xiaoyuan

Set quietly amid open fields, Huanxi Xiaoyuan allows the seasons to shape its landscape. At the heart of the space is a broad wooden window within the coffee room, framing the view like a living canvas.

In spring, the rice fields beyond come into their own. Wherever you sit, the scene draws in a quiet sense of calm, and the window has naturally become the place guests linger over and return to, camera in hand.

A cup of well-crafted coffee and some delicate sweets make for an unhurried afternoon. If you're in the mood for steak or pasta, they’ve got you covered with a diverse selection of recipes to suit every preference.

If you go: Room 102, No 284 Dongsan, Dongxia village, Songjiang district

Youfeng Xiaoyuan

Stepping into Youfeng Xiaoyuan feels like arriving in Yunnan province. The courtyard is small but full of character, with every detail telling a story rooted in the region’s traditions.

Drawing on the spirit of Dali, the space brings elements of intangible cultural heritage and locally inspired ingredients to Shanghai, offering visitors a sense of its romance and ethnic character without leaving the city.

If you go: No 520 Qunle village, Caolu town, Pudong New Area

Xuxi Xiaoyuan

This countryside cafe was born out of a repurposed space. With its white walls, gray tiles, and tidy courtyard, it blends simplicity with warmth.

Outside, rice fields stretch into the distance. Inside, dried flowers accent the wooden tables, and the soft aroma of coffee fills the air, creating a quiet rural scene. Many visitors arrive after photographing the fields, settling in with a cup as the day eases into a calm, unhurried close.

If you go: No 3067 Xupu village, Jinshan district

Coffee•Sweet•Food

Tucked away in Liyao village, this courtyard cafe opens up to a sweeping view of the rice fields. The window seat is the prime spot to take it all in.

The yard features a swing, a grassy patch, and a brick kiln, with photo opportunities at every turn.

Upstairs, a balcony opens onto a different view of the landscape, inviting a moment of pause. As you linger over your coffee, friendly cats drift through the space, their gentle presence adding a warm, unspoken ease to the experience.

If you go: No 611 Liyao village, Qingcun town, Fengxian district

Grain Heaven

Located near the banks of the Huangpu River, Grain Heaven feels like a true escape into the countryside. With its terraced fields, vegetable gardens, excellent coffee, and scrumptious food, it invites you to slow down and reconnect with the simpler side of life.

Beyond coffee and meals, you can take a stroll through the rice paddies and let the breeze carry the sounds of the countryside.

If you go: No 300 Xinmin Road, Xidu subdistrict, Fengxian district

Jolifornia

Jolifornia sits by Dianshan Lake, housed in a converted waterworks that now serves as a cozy spot for visitors to unwind. The design mixes industrial edges with rustic touches, and the courtyard opens directly onto the water.

You can settle into an outdoor camping chair, watch the sunlight dance on the lake's surface, and order something unexpected — Western-style dishes made in a traditional clay stove.

If you go: No 31 Dianfeng village, Zhujiajiao town, Qingpu district

Cun Ye Li

Tucked away in Shihudang town, this hidden cafe has unveiled its spring setting. The spacious backyard has been transformed into a garden inspired by Monet, soft in tone and quietly evocative.

The menu features freshly brewed coffee with a smooth, lingering finish, along with creative drinks, delicate desserts that are light without being too sweet, and a selection of savory small bites.

If you go: No 182 Dongsan village, Shihudang town, Songjiang district

Sources: WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism", cafes mentioned above