Visually impaired baristas establish dark experience café in Shanghai. coffee served in complete darkness

China Daily

1st April 2025

Visually impaired baristas establish dark experience café in Shanghai. coffee served in complete darkness

“Welcome to my world — a sensory journey into darkness. I'm Taozi, your guide for this unique experience."

On the second floor of Shanghai's HKRI Taikoo Hui, guests stored their belongings, took up a white cane, and followed visually impaired barista Taozi, whose real name is Zhang Zhiwen, into an immersive café where all light is intentionally obscured.

Six visually impaired professionals oversee operation of the café, from conceptual design and guest guidance to coffee preparation. What makes it unique is its mission to give sighted customers a new way to experience the world — through its theme "Enjoy a Cup of Coffee in Complete Darkness."

http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0401/c90000-20296626.html