Recently, various coffee shop exploration posts have emerged on social platforms, and one uniquely styled shop has sparked widespread discussion. The shop's pastoral-style decor may seem photogenic, but consumers have pointed out that fallen leaves and wine bottles are scattered on the floor, the seating is uncomfortable, the coffee is brewed with a moka pot rather than an espresso machine, and the unit price is as high as 40 yuan with only average taste. This kind of phenomenon is not an isolated case. Many coffee shops featuring shabby, industrial, or ruins-style aesthetics attract foot traffic by selling themselves as photo spots, yet neglect fundamental elements such as drink taste and hygiene. When the 9.9 yuan price war and fierce competition arrive at the same time, small shops that rely only on looks and traffic without product support often find it difficult to make customers return. Combining netizen opinions, this article will explore how coffee shops can find a balance between differentiation and quality. [more…]

On the eve of the May Day holiday, the Manner store in Shanghai's North Bund became a favorite among photography enthusiasts because it allowed them to capture the "Shanghai Four-Piece Set" all in one shot. However, tourists who visited recently found that a row of temporary stalls set up outside the store happened to block the originally perfect view, leaving many who had made a special trip to take photos greatly disappointed. At the same time, nearby residents are full of anticipation for the upcoming Shanghai International Coffee Culture Festival. One camera spot, two moods, reflecting the delicate relationship between urban public space and festival activities. This article will walk you through the whole story, along with related recommendations and practical information from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

A viral photo spot at Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan, known as "a scallion plucked from dry land," has recently been exposed as being cordoned off by a local café, requiring tourists to make a purchase before they can enter to take photos, sparking discontent among outdoor enthusiasts who reported it. After investigation, the local market supervision bureau confirmed that the café has no business license and has ordered it to suspend operations for rectification. This free viewing platform near the Feilaisi observation deck became famous for offering views of the magnificent scene of golden sunshine on the snow mountain, but has now become embroiled in controversy due to commercial activity. The incident has also raised public concerns about damage to the natural environment and safety hazards. [more…]

Eason Chan's "Under Mount Fuji" turned the Lawson convenience store at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan into a must-visit spot for countless tourists. Recently, after a heavy snowstorm, a Luckin Coffee store next to the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan unexpectedly went viral, dubbed by netizens as the "domestic version of Lawson under Mount Fuji." The blue signage contrasting with the snow-covered Yellow Crane Tower bears a striking resemblance in composition to the Lawson by Mount Fuji, sparking heated discussion on social media. Some praised Luckin for its precise location choice, while others joked that the ice cream cones and fences in front of the store look like a security booth. Behind this snowscape check-in craze, should Luckin really settle up on the promotional fees? Let's take a look at the brilliant comments from netizens. [more…]

In recent years, cafes have become popular check-in spots thanks to their unique locations and exquisite decor, but the management challenges that come with this have also sparked controversy. A cliffside cafe facing the sea in Cangnan County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, has been questioned by some visitors for requiring them to scan a code and make a purchase before being allowed onto the viewing platform to take photos. Why did the shop set this threshold? And what is the attitude of netizens? This article sorts through the whole incident and explores how viral cafes can find a balance between foot traffic and business operations. [more…]

Recently, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital has seen its on-site European vintage-style coffee shop become a popular photo spot for many "influencers" on social media, with related topics continuing to gain traction. Many local residents have reported that the crowds of photo-takers have disrupted normal medical order. Why has this coffee shop become a photography hotspot? How have the hospital and the shop responded? The hospital stated that it will strengthen management by discouraging commercial photography, prolonged occupation of patient rest seats, and the use of large professional equipment such as fill lights, in order to ensure normal medical activities. [more…]

Recently, McDonald's set up a rather abstract "8 AM crowd" photo spot at Chaoyangmen Station on Beijing Subway Line 6, where giant hands holding a burger and a latte extend from a keyboard, sparking heated discussion among commuters. This installation is an event site created by McDonald's to promote its "15 yuan freshly ground coffee breakfast combo," located on the basement level of China Central Place. Since its official announcement on February 21, the combo has attracted many consumers to repurchase thanks to a discount of nearly 50%, and pop-up photo spots have been launched in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and other places. This article will walk you through the details of this abstract installation, netizens' reactions, and the specific content and promotional layout of McCafe's breakfast campaign. [more…]

Taking photos at coffee shops has long become a daily routine for many customers, but accidents caused by this practice happen from time to time. A coffee shop owner recently encountered an exasperating yet almost comical scene: two young women entered the restroom while taking photos in the shop, and shortly after, a loud crash was heard. After the two hurriedly left, the owner discovered that the entire washbasin had broken off and crashed to the floor. Surveillance footage showed the two had entered the restroom to take photos, but that area happened to be a blind spot in the camera coverage, making it impossible to confirm what had happened. Netizens speculated that a customer may have sat on the wall-mounted washbasin, causing it to give way under the weight. The incident sparked widespread discussion, with many expressing sympathy for the owner, while others suggested relocating the washbasin or posting a notice to prevent similar situations from happening again. [more…]

Since the full resumption of cross-border travel, mainland tourists' enthusiasm for visiting Hong Kong has continued to rise. Beyond the traditional shopping and food itineraries, those highly photogenic "internet-famous photo spots" have also become an indispensable stop on the journey. %Arabica, located by the waterfront in Kennedy Town, Western District, has long dominated the must-visit lists on major social platforms thanks to its seaside all-white exterior and "mirror of the sky" scenery. However, recently, a lamppost on one side of this store suddenly had an accident—emitting smoke, a loud bang, and parts flying off—leaving a passing mainland tourist with a head injury. The incident quickly drew attention, and the Highways Department and the gas company successively responded. What exactly caused the incident? What was the scene like? Let's find out together. [more…]

Recently, some netizens noticed that the %Arabica Lhasa store, located opposite the Potala Palace, showed on a third-party platform that "the merchant may close on October 28," sparking speculation about a closure. This store, which opened in March 2023 and is known as the world's highest-altitude %Arabica, once became a popular check-in spot due to its excellent views. Although drinks are slightly more expensive by 2 to 3 yuan due to transportation costs, local residents say business is not slow during the off-season, and the closure may be due to redevelopment and demolition in the area. It is worth noting that Lhasa's coffee market is no longer dominated solely by %Arabica. Chain brands such as Luckin and independent cafes featuring highland barley wine have entered the market, giving consumers more diverse choices. Front Street Coffee will also continue to follow up on subsequent developments. [more…]

As the world's second-largest coffee-producing country, Vietnam's coffee culture has long been woven into every aspect of everyday street life. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, a railway line that cuts through residential buildings has become a popular photo spot thanks to its unique scenery, and the cafés lining the tracks have drawn even more visitors. However, safety hazards followed, and Vietnam's Ministry of Transport ultimately ordered these coffee shops to close on traffic safety grounds. This article walks you through the rise and fall of this internet-famous attraction, and also recommends Front Street Coffee products so that, while following the story, you can savor authentic coffee flavors. [more…]

In the age of social media, coffee shops have become popular photo spots for young people. However, more and more cafés are explicitly posting "No Photography" signs, and staff will even actively discourage customers who are taking photos. Behind this phenomenon is the frustration of shop owners over professional photography teams taking up space, disrupting the environment, and affecting other customers. Ordinary consumers want to enjoy a quiet atmosphere, while photography enthusiasts pursue the perfect shot—how can the needs of both sides be reconciled? This article explores the conflicts triggered by photography in coffee shops and highlights how brands such as Front Street Coffee value the in-store experience. [more…]

A coffee shop known for being a photo hotspot has sparked widespread discussion on social media after posting a notice stating "only customers aged 10 and above are served." The owner says the move was a last resort, citing frequent incidents of children making noise, damaging facilities, and even creating safety hazards. Some parents are puzzled by the rule, arguing that 10-year-olds already have some self-control, while some netizens question whether it amounts to discrimination against children. In response, lawyers point out that businesses have the right to operate independently and can set reasonable rules based on their positioning, which does not constitute discrimination, but they suggest clearly explaining the reasons to gain understanding. Behind the incident lies the dilemma cafes face in balancing ambiance and customer experience. [more…]

In today's era of thriving social media, coffee shops are no longer just places to savor coffee; they have also become popular check-in spots for many people's cameras. However, when photo-taking behavior evolves from personal documentation into commercial shoots or excessive posing, conflicts between shop owners and customers quietly emerge. A recent incident in which a shop owner framed and displayed a mediation agreement has once again made "whether photography is allowed in coffee shops" a hot topic of discussion. On one side is customers' desire to capture beautiful moments, and on the other is operators' consideration of maintaining the shop's atmosphere. How can both parties find a balance? This article will walk you through the whole incident and explore the boundary issues behind photo check-ins. [more…]

In today's era of social media dominance, coffee shops have become popular spots for photo check-ins. However, the accompanying inappropriate behavior of customers has also become a headache for shop owners. Recently, the owner of a well-known coffee shop in Thailand shared a series of frustrating encounters on social media—some customers splashed coffee after a dispute over photos and fled, leaving a mess behind; others damaged the shop's facilities and quietly left. These incidents not only caused financial losses for the shop but also affected the dining experience of other customers. This article will take you through the real dilemmas faced by coffee shop operators and netizens' views on such behavior. [more…]

During the May Day holiday, Mixue Bingcheng's headquarters in Zhengzhou, Henan unexpectedly became a popular check-in spot for tourists, with long queues forming outside the flagship store for three consecutive days, and visitors heading straight there with their suitcases. The limited-edition drinks and ice cream sold at the headquarters were affordably priced, attracting a large number of fans eager to experience the atmosphere of the "Snow King's" hometown. However, foot traffic far exceeded expectations, and some customers who had queued for hours found products sold out, while picking up orders and paying also required long waits. This sudden check-in frenzy showcased Mixue Bingcheng's immense popularity nationwide, but also exposed the brand's shortcomings in holiday inventory reserves and staffing arrangements. [more…]

As autumn arrives, a ginkgo-themed café in Shanghai's Lujiazui has quickly gone viral on social media. The ground covered in golden fallen leaves and the Korean-style ambiance have captured the hearts of countless netizens, who have rushed to visit and take photos. However, reality has left many crying foul — the leaves haven't turned yellow, the place is packed with people, the queues are endless, and the online photos are seriously at odds with the actual scene. Is this the work of filters, or simply bad timing? This article takes you through the truth behind this photo-op frenzy and explores the phenomenon behind café check-in culture. [more…]

Coffee shops, with their exquisite decor, often become popular spots for photography enthusiasts to shoot and take photos. However, a recent surveillance video has drawn widespread attention: two passersby, when passing by a closed coffee shop, actually tore off the white poster posted on the door without permission in order to take satisfactory photos. It is understood that this poster was specially made by the shop owner to celebrate the shop's fourth anniversary. After being away for two days, the owner returned to find the poster had disappeared, and was furious after checking the surveillance footage. After the incident spread online, the two individuals involved took the initiative to contact the owner and call to apologize, explaining that they had mistakenly thought it was a shop transfer advertisement. This incident has once again sparked discussion about the boundaries of photo-check-in culture—when personal creative needs conflict with the rights and interests of businesses, how should the line be drawn? [more…]

The Manner Xuhui Riverside store was once a trendy spot for photos thanks to its riverside views and exquisite decor, but recently customers have noticed that the sofa cushions in its second-floor outdoor area are severely moldy, the chair cushions are stained, the doors are damaged in several places, and the signage is rusted. From the gingerbread man-themed store it co-branded with Jo Malone last November to its now dilapidated facilities, a span of only three months, the store's environment has prompted consumers to question Manner's operational and management capabilities. Netizens believe the outdoor facilities lack routine maintenance, affecting the consumer experience and brand image, and are calling on the store to maintain basic cleanliness and keep facilities in proper working order. [more…]

A chain coffee shop in Guangzhou, store by .jpg, located on the 41st floor of an office building, quickly went viral on social media because customers can take photos with Canton Tower up close. The average spending is low and no reservation is required—just register at the front desk and you can go upstairs to take photos—attracting a large number of young people to come and check in. However, the resulting elevator congestion and occupied public areas have made office workers in the building miserable. The property management subsequently limited the number of daily tickets and removed the lounge chairs and tables. How will this high-altitude coffee craze ultimately end? [more…]