Discovering the Most Photogenic Forest and Cliffside Cafes in Anji

Anji, a lush county in Zhejiang province, has transformed from a quiet bamboo forest retreat into a global hotspot for high-end "village cafes" (cun ka). Just a 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou and 2.5 hours from Shanghai, the cafe scene here is no longer just about the beans—it is about architectural marvels, reclaimed industrial sites, and immersive natural experiences.

Whether you are looking for a waterfall backdrop that feels like Bali or a serene window view overlooking white tea plantations, Anji’s cafes have raised the bar to a "Next Level" competitive standard.

The Rise of Reclaimed Industrial Aesthetics

One of the most striking trends in Anji is the transformation of abandoned mines and reservoirs into luxury coffee destinations. The legendary Waterfall Coffee (Post #1, #16) is a prime example, where a 22-million-yuan investment turned a waste mine into a multi-tier tropical oasis. Visitors can sip coffee while watching waterfalls cascade down cliff faces, accompanied by live DJ sets in the middle of the water.

Similarly, the Deep Blue Project (Post #29, #35) has earned the nickname "China's Little Iceland." Set against a backdrop of a deep blue mineral lake and rugged grey rock walls, it reportedly sold 8,000 cups of coffee in a single day, proving that "wild luxury" is the ultimate traffic driver in rural tourism.

Tea Plantations and Panoramic Windows

For those seeking the classic Anji aesthetic, the white tea gardens offer a more serene experience. Cafes like One Leaf Tea Drink (Post #4) feature 12-meter-wide floor-to-ceiling windows that turn the rolling tea hills into a living painting.

In Chinese culture, white tea is the pride of Anji, and these cafes often blend traditional tea flavors with modern lattes, such as Jasmine White Tea Milk Caps or White Tea Lattes, allowing visitors to taste the landscape they are viewing.

Forest Escapes and "Wizard of Oz" Vibes

Away from the cliffs, Anji’s forests hide cozy, fairytale-like spots. Cozy Coffee (Post #6, #65) and WoodyTree (Post #5, #57) offer a "Wizard of Oz" atmosphere with lush greenery, vintage furniture, and hidden creek access. These locations often emphasize "oxygen therapy," inviting city dwellers to breathe in the fresh forest air while enjoying creative drinks like Apple Osmanthus Wine Lattes.

📍 Locations Guide

Main Recommendations

• Waterfall Coffee (Pubu): Bali-style multi-tier waterfall views, includes DJ sets and kayaking (Post #1, #16, #40, #46).
• Deep Blue Project (X-Deep Blue): Reclaimed mine with blue lake, iconic "solitary chapel," and industrial vibes (Post #23, #29, #35, #55).
• One Leaf Tea Drink (Yipian Yezi): Famous for its massive tea-view window and white tea lattes (Post #4, #23).
• Cozy Coffee: Forest-themed with vintage decor, very pet-friendly (Post #6, #42, #65).
• WoodyTree (Senye Granary): "Wizard of Oz" aesthetic, great for costumed photoshoots (Post #5, #57).
• Shanbianbian: Minimalist design at the foot of the mountain, perfect for winter tea roasting (Post #8, #14).
• Tianchi View Coffee: High altitude (1000m+) with 270° views of bamboo seas and sunset (Post #9, #12).
• Cloudside Jump (Jump Coffee): Located at 520m elevation, integrated with a paragliding base (Post #59, #60).
• Hashtag Coffee: All-black industrial/camping style located in a fruit orchard (Post #49, #50).
• Fujiwara Tofu Shop: Initial D themed spot on the winding mountain roads (Post #34, #44).
• Shanwai'er de Shan: High-altitude retreat known for its quiet atmosphere and cloud views (Post #7, #53).
• Shanxi Space: Features a unique straw pavilion and creek access for paddleboarding (Post #17, #42).
• Amazon Jungle Tribe: Tropical rainforest theme with extensive picnic spots (Post #58).
• Guan Coffee (Gu'an): Located under a waterfall in the "Shuidishichuan" scenic area (Post #36).
• Lingfeng Zen Coffee: Modern cafe located inside a thousand-year-old ancient temple (Post #20).
• Small and Beautiful Coffee: Known for professional-grade equipment and consistent flavor (Post #52).
• No Heat Natural Opera House: A creek-side cafe designed like an amphitheater (Post #64).

Variations & Options

• Industrial/Mine Reconstruction: Deep Blue Project, Waterfall Coffee, Cloud Cliff (Yun Ya).
• Tea Culture Immersion: One Leaf Tea Drink, Peninsula Tea Room.
• Forest & Fairy Tale: Cozy Coffee, WoodyTree, Amazon Jungle Tribe.
• High-Altitude & Sunset: Tianchi View, Cloudside Jump, Guan Coffee.
• Camping & Dark Style: Hashtag Coffee, In Bamboo Wild Lying Flat Base.

Tips & Insights

• The Ticket Model: Almost all top-tier Anji cafes use a ticket system (48–139 RMB). The ticket usually includes one drink. Think of it as a "scenic area admission fee" rather than just a coffee price.
• Driving is Essential: Most of these are hidden in remote villages or on mountaintops. Self-driving is highly recommended, though mountain roads can be narrow and steep (especially for Chenluo Mountain/Jump Coffee).
• Best Timing: Arrive after 3:00 PM for the best light and sunset views. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
• Dress Code: Light-colored dresses or "forest-core" outfits work best for tea gardens, while cool, black/industrial outfits suit Deep Blue and Hashtag.

Practical Information

• Average Spend: 50–80 RMB per person (including drink).
• Operating Hours: Most rural cafes open at 9:00 AM and close around 6:00 PM (some sunset spots stay open later).
• Accessibility: High-altitude spots like Tianchi View are accessible by car, but be prepared for "18-bend" mountain roads.
• Pet Policy: Anji is exceptionally pet-friendly; many cafes like Cozy and Deep Blue welcome cats and dogs.

All Xiaohongshu Notes