If you find yourself traveling to Shanwei, a small and often overlooked coastal town in Guangdong Province, chances are you’ll stumble across its most peculiar claim to fame: Coffee Castle. Touted as the number one tourist attraction in Shanwei, this quirky spot is as bizarre as it is unexpected. Yet, despite its popularity among domestic tourists, there’s surprisingly little online about it.
Fear not—we’ve got the definitive Coffee Castle Shanwei guide to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
What Is Coffee Castle?
Coffee Castle is one of those wonderfully odd places that make you question how and why it exists. Imagine a medieval European castle—complete with turrets, stone walls, and all the fairy-tale trimmings—plonked right in the middle of coastal Guangdong. It’s equal parts kitschy and fascinating, a surreal blend of East meets West that feels like a theme park attraction minus the rides.
The castle doubles as a coffee shop and tourist hotspot, though the coffee itself is more of an afterthought. Visitors come less for the caffeine and more for the experience of sipping a latte in what looks like a medieval fortress. It’s a selfie paradise, with its whimsical architecture standing out starkly against the otherwise unremarkable backdrop of Shanwei.
Coffee Castle is also a nod to Shanwei’s aspirations of becoming a domestic tourism hub. Tour buses routinely pull up here, unloading eager travelers ready to snap photos and bask in the novelty of the place. While it’s unlikely to impress hardcore coffee aficionados, it’s undeniably one of the town’s most memorable attractions. Whether you’re a caffeine junkie or just someone who wants to say they’ve visited a castle in Guangdong, it’s worth a stop.
Click to read about street food in Shanwei.
What’s Around Coffee Castle?
The area surrounding Coffee Castle feels like a work in progress, a kind of “Field of Dreams” scenario where they’ve built it in hopes that the crowds will come. And to be fair, there’s already a decent amount to explore.
For starters, the immediate vicinity is dotted with coffee shops and restaurants. One standout is a place amusingly named “Come on BBQ,” which serves up grilled fare with a side of quirky charm. Just outside the castle’s entrance, you’ll find a smattering of street food stalls offering overpriced but decent snacks. Think skewers, noodles, and other classic street food staples—not exactly gourmet, but they’ll keep you fueled for your castle adventure.
The area also forms part of the larger Red Bay Resort development, which includes hotels like the Vienna and various apartments available for rent. It’s a curious mix of countryside vibes and burgeoning tourist infrastructure, making it an interesting spot to explore if you’re in the area.
Getting to Coffee Castle
Reaching Coffee Castle isn’t the most straightforward affair. Public transport options are limited, with tourist buses being the main mode of transport. These buses primarily cater to domestic travelers and, oddly enough, some Vietnamese visitors.
If you’re traveling independently, your best bet is to use DiDi, China’s version of Grab. From Shanwei Railway Station, a ride will set you back anywhere from $7 to $12, depending on traffic. If you’re starting from downtown Shanwei, the fare is roughly half that. While it’s not the cheapest outing, it’s a manageable cost for what is arguably the town’s most unique and well only tourist attraction.
Is It Worth It?
So, is Coffee Castle worth the trip? Let’s be honest: Shanwei isn’t exactly bursting with world-class attractions, so the bar isn’t set particularly high. That said, Coffee Castle is by far the most intriguing thing to do in the area. It’s not just about the coffee or the castle itself—it’s about the sheer novelty of the experience. Where else can you sip a mediocre cappuccino inside a medieval-style fortress while gazing out over the Guangdong coastline?
In a town as understated as Shanwei, Coffee Castle stands out as a wonderfully weird gem. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a lover of the eccentric, or just someone looking for a good story to tell, Coffee Castle delivers. And honestly, isn’t that what travel is all about?
Click to see our China Tours, which do not currently cover Shanwei.
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