Nestled on Xinhua Road in Changning district, the Pub HandyCup stands out as the country's first fully accessible bar — offering a unique blend of warmth, innovation, and social inclusivity.

It's especially configured that anyone can use it, including those using wheelchairs. The staff are conversant in sign language to communicate with deaf customers and the bar features a braille introduction for visually impaired folks to understand the bar's layout.

Opened on May 20, the bar is said to transcend its role as a social space — representing a vision for a more inclusive society where everyone can freely connect and share experiences.

The bar's founder, Xia Yujie, was inspired by his own experience of living with a disability caused by a medical accident during his youth. He dreamed of creating a space where people of all abilities could gather, socialize and feel at home.

Driven by this vision, Xia meticulously designed every aspect of the pub to ensure accessibility. Ramps replaced stairs, furniture edges were rounded for safety and the interiors feature braille guides and sign language boards.

"People with disabilities share the same needs as everyone else, yet accessible spaces are rare," Xia reflects. His dedication has shaped a space that not only welcomes all, but also encourages interaction and understanding among diverse groups.

The bar is more than its thoughtful design; it is a hub for activities that promote awareness and inclusion.

Weekly events include braille and sign language workshops, therapeutic art sessions and even blind mixology classes. The activities are often led by community members with disabilities, empowering them to showcase their talents and inspire others.

Take Xiaomi, a wheelchair user and regular patron, who created an accessibility map of the Xinhua Road area and became a co-manager of the bar. Or Maomao, a visually impaired customer who became a braille instructor at the venue. Their stories highlight the powerful sense of belonging and contribution fostered by the bar.

Set in the U-Lane on Xinhua Road — which hosts a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, fashion designers, cultural enterprises and social organizations — the Pub HandyCup thrives on the cultural and communal energy of its surroundings.

Supported by the neighborhood's Little Orange Peel volunteer program and other community-driven initiatives, the area provides fertile ground for the bar's mission of inclusion.

Remarkably, Xia notes that his customers, including those with disabilities, often reject special discounts, insisting on paying full price as a sign of mutual respect. This is said to reflect the dignity and equality that underpin the bar's ethos.

As its name suggests, it's a place without barriers — both physical and emotional. The Chinese name "Wu Ai" carries a dual meaning — "no barrier" and "my love", encapsulating the owners' hopes for a society rooted in love, understanding and shared humanity.

Looking ahead, Xia and his team aim to deepen their collaboration with nearby communities, involving more residents in accessibility initiatives.

The pub is considered to be a shining example of how small steps can lead to profound societal shifts, making the world a little more accessible, one shared drink at a time.

Let's raise a glass to Pub HandyCup — a symbol of inclusivity, innovation, and human connection. Cheers!

Pub HandyCup

Address: Room 108, Building 6, Lane 365 Xinhua Road

Business hours: Daily, 6 pm to 12 am

Source: Official WeChat account of Changning district information office at "shchangning"