Innovation Hub, Creative Youth: Coffee for Community – Brewing a Relaxation Utopia May 26,2025

To turn Shanghai into a city of hope for the young and to set a benchmark for youth development in Yangpu District, the district has rolled out a report series, "Youthful Yangpu: Shaping the Future Together". This series will uncover the dynamic stories and innovative efforts of young people in shaping Yangpu, highlighting their perseverance and vibrant spirit.

Nestled in Changyang Campus, Daqiao Sub-district, LazyBite Café is redefining what a coffee space can be for the younger generation. Founded by Ying Ming, a dynamic post-90s entrepreneur known for his innovative spirit, this café embodies the "philosophy of relaxation". It seamlessly blends coffee culture with the core needs of young communities, offering a unique space where work, social interaction, and cultural exchange converge.

LazyBite's journey - from its distinctive product development, to its sharply focused operational tactics, and its proactive efforts to create a digital service ecosystem - shows not just the entrepreneurial flair of today's youth but also the deep integration of young entrepreneurs with the urban environment.

Innovation in Entrepreneurship: Redefining the "Philosophy of Relaxation" in Coffee Culture

Step into LazyBite, and you will not find a typical coffee bar. Instead, you will be welcomed by inviting booth sofas, comfortable bar seating, and a chill outdoor camping area. "Our café is designed to be a place where young people can work efficiently and relax effortlessly," said Ying. He pointed to some telling statistics: while entrepreneurs in Changyang Campus work an average of 12.6 hours a day, their average stay in traditional cafés is just 47 minutes. Seeing this gap, LazyBite has carved out a niche as the "go-to relaxation spot" in Changyang Campus. For those with demanding work schedules, it is a brief but much-needed respite from the daily grind.

At LazyBite, a unique customer experience program named "Experimental Sweetness" is showcased on the bar counter. It utilizes AI to blend traditional ingredients and methods with trending product ideas, constantly creating exciting new dishes for customers to enjoy. Exceptional creations may even make it to the market. Ying joked, "Surrounded by tech firms, we must use technology to crack the code of youth behavior." This creative method not only keeps customers intrigued but also sets LazyBite apart in a sea of coffee shops.

Urban Synergy for Youth: The Magic of Changyang Campus

When LazyBite chose a non-street-facing spot in Changyang Campus, many investors scratched their heads. But Ying had a map on his phone that told the story: Within 500 meters, there are university startup hubs, headquarters of online new economy enterprises, and co-working spaces. Within 3 kilometers, you can tap into top-tier university resources like Fudan University Science Park. The kind of density and synergy here will take a 10-kilometer radius elsewhere. LazyBite is not chasing foot traffic; it is embedding itself in the innovation ecosystem. 78% of its daily visitors are park regulars, with over half being entrepreneurs.

For Ying, what truly matters to young entrepreneurs is a sense of familiarity in culture and environment. His choice to establish a business here was influenced not just by the district's resource-rich nature but also by a profound sense of belonging. As a graduate of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, he has cultivated a deep emotional tie with this district. Living here has allowed him to experience the unique warmth and community spirit of the area. "Operating a business here feels like being part of an extended family. The local community and innovation parks have been incredibly supportive." From the resource connections offered by the "entrepreneurship service package" to the daily operational assistance, these quiet yet thoughtful supports have given him a true sense of belonging, embodying the idea that "home is where the soul finds peace."

Empowering Communities through Youth: Transforming Commercial Spaces into Cultural Hubs

Ying envisioned commercial spaces as "cultural interpreters" for urban life. At LazyBite, entrepreneurs gathered around laptops, brainstorming in the open air. Beside them lie "inspiration notebooks" — a free tool from the café, adorned with hand-drawn maps of the district's innovation landmarks. "True entrepreneurial support means helping young people sync with the city's pulse," he said.

Ying is dreaming even bigger. He is cooking up a "Yangpu Memory Blend Series" where each coffee tells a story of the district. Take the "Century Powerhouse Brand" - it uses dark roast beans to evoke the rugged feel of steel, with a salted rim hinting at the briny Huangpu River. The "Spark Valley Blend" uses the fizz of popping candy to evoke the explosive energy of creative inspiration.

Beyond supporting young entrepreneurs, Ying extends his care to new employment groups. He once placed a nightshift warmth cabinet in his shop, stocking it with three hot drinks at ten every night. Each cup had a sticky note: "For the nightshift heroes – snap a smile when you grab your drink!" The warming cabinet's photo wall is now adorned with dozens of smiles. A building patroller once wrote beneath the photos, "Looks like the coffee machine works through the night just like us!" Ying reflected, "True innovation in business often begins with a touch of warmth that wasn't in the plan."

In this dynamic district, entrepreneurial tales unfold daily. The hiss of coffee machines harmonizes with the clatter of keyboards in the innovation park, and the "philosophy of relaxation" challenges conventional business thinking. Beyond a brand's success, we witness a living example of a district and its youth thriving together. By always having a chair ready for the youth to sit and dream, the city reveals its true warmth.