Shanghai’s Hidden Lane Coffee Shop

Ban She Café is hidden in one of Shanghai’s old lane compounds off of Nanchang Road. It can be a bit hard to find, but here’s how to make your way into this hidden gem: Walking along Nanchang Road towards street number 254, you’ll see the mint green door of Ban She restaurant. Next to the restaurant is a small door leading into the lane complex. Pass through the door, look to the right at the first intersection, and you’ll see Ban She Café. The shop itself has a traditional Chinese vibe, with antique furniture, a courtyard, and lots of greenery. As you might expect from the surroundings, it’s pretty tiny overall – there are just a few tables spread out across the shop. Books line the walls as rays of sunshine pass through the large windows. With two floors in total, the first floor is a quiet space fit for reading and coffee sipping, while light meals and chatter are better suited for the second floor. The atmosphere of this semi-hidden café is excellent for reading, working, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon. 🍰 Ban She Café 🍰 📍: 254-256 Nanchang Road, Shanghai 🕒: 10:30–20:00 💳: Avg RMB80 per person #café #coffeeshop #shanghai #shanghaistyle #shanghaichic #urbanexplorer #cafe