The exterior of the coffee shop

A model of the building

Stepping into the serene embrace of "Lie Lay Lain" feels like slowing down time itself. Tucked away in Changjiang'ao Bay, this quaint café offers more than just coffee—it's a retreat from the hustle of daily life, where warmth, nostalgia, and the aroma of handcrafted delights fill the air. The very name encourages visitors to let go, take a breath, and simply "lie down" in the moment.

A Doorway to a Different World

Interior decoration

The moment you cross the threshold of "Lie Lay Lain," the clamor of the outside world melts away. The soft, amber lighting, rustic wooden tables, and textured stone walls exude a cozy, nostalgic charm. A touch of cool-toned cement blends seamlessly with the natural elements, embodying the tranquil island lifestyle.

"We didn't want to create just another 'typical' coffee shop," says Wang Xiaolan, the owner. "This place is meant to bring people peace—a return to simplicity."

A small balcony on the second floor overlooking the sea

Preserving the historical character of the space was a priority for Wang. The café is housed in a traditional stone house, its sturdy walls whispering stories of the past. "We worked with a design team to keep as much of the original structure intact as possible," Wang explains. "Everything here—the aged stone, the wooden beams, even the steel staircase—carries a sense of authenticity and history."

A Taste of Pingtan in Every Sip

Wang Xiaolan making tea for her guests

The café's signature drink, the "Orange Sea Floating Dirty," captures the essence of the island itself. A vibrant layer of freshly made orange jam—crafted from locally sourced Luyang navel oranges—blends into the bold bitterness of espresso, creating a mesmerizing sunset-like gradient in the glass.

"I took one sip and was amazed," says Liu, a visitor from Zhejiang. "The richness of the coffee mixed with the tangy sweetness of the orange—it's an unexpected but perfect combination."

The cafe's bestselling signatures

Beyond coffee, the café also prides itself on its specialty desserts. Their Basque cheesecakes are a local favorite, with variations like black truffle ham and cashew, each offering a delicate balance of flavors. "During the Chinese New Year, our cheesecakes and waffles were so popular that customers cleared out our entire stock," Wang says with a laugh.

Fujian rock tea being brewed on the bar counter

For those seeking something beyond coffee, the café also offers premium Fujian rock tea, an aromatic nod to the region's deep-rooted tea culture. "Many visitors from Zhejiang or beyond aren't familiar with our teas, but once they try them, they're instantly hooked," Wang shares.

Meet the Café's Most Beloved Staff Members

More than just a café, "Lie Lay Lain" is home to a lively crew of four-legged "employees"—three dogs and two cats—each with its own unique story.

There's "Xiaobai," the former stray who found his forever home among the café's guests. "At first, I tried to send him away, but he kept coming back," Wang recalls. "Eventually, he became part of the family."

A Shiba Inu named "Sunflower" greets customers with a smile.

A Maine Coon cat named "Meimei"

Then there's the ever-smiling Shiba Inu named "Sunflower," the playful Samoyed named "Duole," and two resident felines—Meimei, a sociable Maine Coon who greets guests from her perch, and "Cuocuo," a sleepy Ragdoll who prefers curling up in a quiet nook.

"They're more than just pets; they're part of the experience here," says barista Xiao You. "Some of our regulars don't even come for the coffee—they come to visit their furry friends."

A customer is playing with a pet dog named "Duole."

For pet owners, the café offers a rare haven where their own furry companions can roam freely and make new friends. "My dog, Lucky, is usually anxious in new places," says Li, a visitor from Beijing. "But here, he immediately relaxed. It's like he knew he was welcome."

A Place to Unwind, A Place to Belong

With a warm cup in hand, the soothing sound of waves nearby, and the company of wagging tails and purring friends, "Lie Lay Lain" is more than just a destination—it's a feeling. A gentle reminder that sometimes, the best thing to do is simply to pause, breathe, and savor the moment.