Deep in the vibrant, bustling alleyways of Qingdao's Shinan historic district, a cozy little coffee shop offers a quiet sanctuary for the soul. 86-years-old Zhao Qiying is the shop's unique keeper and one of the city's most inspiring "silver-haired icons." Grinding beans, tamping coffee grounds, and extracting espresso, this octogenarian is redefining her twilight years through pure passion.
Every morning at 9:30, Zhao arrives right on time to start her work. She wipes down the counter, arranges the tables, and sweeps every corner. Her movements are nimble, precise, and surprisingly energetic for someone in her eighties. At 10 am sharp, she turns the sign to "Open." As regulars trickle in, she focuses intently behind the counter. Amid the rich aroma of fresh coffee, another warm, fulfilling day begins.
Zhao took over the coffee shop back in 2015 and now manages the daily rhythm with ease. Yet at the start, she knew little about coffee. Her only thought was "to give people a nice place to relax and chat." In the early days, business was slow, and the shop came close to closing down. Determined to turn things around, Zhao decided to work at another cafe, learning the craft of coffee making hands-on.
Learning a new skill at an advanced age was no easy task. She recalls that mastering latte art was her biggest challenge. To tackle it, she invented her own training method: mixing water with laundry powder to simulate milk foam, and using soy sauce instead of espresso. Day in and day out, rain or shine, she refined her technique, pressure, and control.
In just over six months, Zhao mastered coffee brewing, light meal preparation, and various other skills, completing her transformation from a total coffee novice to an all-around shopkeeper. Thanks to her dedicated management, the once-struggling cafe found new life. Winning customers over with classic flavors and heartfelt service, it gradually built a loyal following and became a beloved landmark of warmth in the old neighborhood.
Over the years, Zhao has poured her heart into every single cup, never compromising on quality or hospitality. Today, citizens and tourists alike visit the shop. Young people come to draw inspiration from her passion, while retirees stop by to learn from her journey. The small coffee shop is no longer just a place of business—it has become a harbor for neighbors to gather, heal, and share warmth.
(Reporter: Hu Wolong, Ding Chunli; Video Editor: Anna Li, Hu Woloong, Ding Chunli; Translator: Ella Qu)
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