DURING the summer, it is highly recommended that parkgoers unwind in coffee shops after leisurely strolling through parks, relishing the cool atmosphere while indulging in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Here, we recommend four coffee shops, each uniquely designed or inspired by the natural surroundings of their respective parks. Zen Sheng Shu 怎生書 The name Zen Sheng Shu, literally meaning “how to write” in Chinese, is derived from a line in Ouyang Xiu’s poem. It tells of a young woman asking her husband, “How to write ‘mandarin ducks,’” to express conjugal affection. In Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are a symbol of eternal love. This coffee shop is housed in a two-story building decorated in traditional Chinese architectural style. The first floor specializes in Italian coffee and desserts, while the second floor is dedicated to hand-brewed specialty coffee. Featuring blue-gray tiles, hollowed-out windows, stone pathways, expansive lawns, and rockeries, it recreates a serene traditional Chinese garden that harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings of the park. From inside the café, you can enjoy views of lush greenery, a pavilion, a pond, a moon gate, and rock formations — forming a living Chinese landscape painting that instantly calms the heart. Opening hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Venue: Inside Shenzhen International Garden and Flower Expo Park, Futian District (福田區園博園內) Metro: Line 1 to Qiaocheng East Station (僑城東站), Exit A Hapu Garden 哈圃花園 Xiangmi Park, home to the Futian marriage registration office and a sleek wedding hall, exudes a romantic atmosphere. The design of Hapu Garden echoes the wedding hall’s aesthetic, both featuring glass walls and pristine white tones, creating a chic and elegant ambiance. Hapu Garden resembles a light, airy glass box with white columns and an open structure, presenting a simplistic yet fashionable appearance. Sitting outside surrounded by green trees and blooming flowers feels like being in a garden — an ideal backdrop for countless beautiful photos. Opening hours: 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Venue: Inside Xiangmi Park, Futian District (福田區香蜜公園內) Metro: Line 2 to Xiangmi Station (香蜜站), Exit B Xi Coffee 曦咖啡 Originally from the Yuanling Community, Xi Coffee now has a branch at Lianhua Hill Park. Nestled among lush trees, the coffee shop features a wooden witch’s hat roof and is designed like a cozy forest cabin decorated with potted flowers. The plants and architecture blend seamlessly, creating the feeling of wandering through a dense forest, where you can enjoy your coffee in peaceful seclusion. Opening hours: 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Venue: Inside Lianhua Hill Park, Futian District (福田區蓮花山公園內) Metro: Line 4 to Lianhua North Station (蓮花北站), Exit A2 An & Song Art Bookbar 桉與松藝術書吧 The name An & Song, meaning eucalyptus and pine, draws inspiration from the trees in the park. This bookbar combines a bookstore and coffee shop. To reach it, visitors take a long walk through the park, allowing them to enjoy the greenery and fresh air — perfect for relaxing both body and mind before arrival. The bookbar is a cylindrical glass building with wooden bookshelves inside. A few seats face the park, offering tranquil views. Here, savoring a cup of coffee while reading allows you to slow down and fully appreciate books, nature, and life. Opening hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Venue: Inside Bijia Hill Park, Futian District (福田區筆架山公園內) Metro: Line 7 or 14 to Huangmugang Station (黃木崗站), Exit 12A (Cao Zhen) | 