Silence is Golden at This New Quiet Beixinqiao Cafe

Beijing is not a quiet place. In fact, one encounters the phrase “the tranquil streets of Beijing” about as often as one does the phrase “a pleasant case of syphilis” or “I really appreciated the insight and nuance in Donald Trump’s latest well-reasoned statement.” It is then a pleasure, indeed an absolute joy, to find a venue in this city committed to that rarest and most golden of attributes: quiet.

Silence Coffee has one small requests for patrons: Guests should refrain from talking while they are enjoying their coffee and pastries.

Settled amidst the post-bricking chaos of Beixinqiao Toutiao (between Beixinqiao and Yonghegong), Silence Coffee not only aims to provide a respite and refuge for noise-weary Beijingers but also to raise awareness about deafness. Despite being deaf since childhood, co-proprietor Jackie is a wonderful host, creating gorgeous and delicious coffee concoctions.

For those feeling a bit peckish, co-proprietor Julia bakes scrumptious cakes including tiramisu and a fruit cake which far surpassed the usual stigma associated with the name. Baked items change frequently with items such as red velvet cake and vanilla cake tempting return visits. The mini-cookie which came with my rooibos tea was also a delicious bonus and bottled beer from Brew Dog rounds out the simple, but well-constructed, drinks menu.

Julia was born to two deaf parents but is able to hear, and greets newcomers in English and Chinese. The service at Silence Coffee is more than a notch or two above the usual Gulou café.  

The décor is minimalist, stark even. Undecorated concrete slab walls work in a space that features windows on two sides plus a skylight. A large window looks out into the hutong making a great space for (silent) people watching.  

While there a large chalkboard reminds patrons that the rule here is “No talking,” customers will probably be relieved to know that verbal communication is allowed for the purposes of ordering. Posters and other materials are also available to teach interested café goers the basics of ordering using sign language. Patrons are encouraged to take their mobile phone conversations outside. In short, Silence Coffee is the perfect place for those looking for a bit of tranquility, a quiet place to focus on work, or a space to simply be for a minute or 30 unwinding from the stress and tribulations of Beijing life.

Silence Coffee is located about 300 meters east of Yonghegong Dajie or about 100 meters north from Guijie. Look for the white building right on the corner and enter through the courtyard gate just to the south.  

Silence Coffee
Sun-Mon 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. 16-2 Beixinqiao Toutiao, Dongcheng District 
东城区北新桥头条16号

Jeremiah Jenne is a writer, educator, and historian based in Beijing since 2002. He maintains the Chinese history and culture website Jottings from the Granite Studio and is also the founder of Beijing by Foot, which offers historical walks, tours, and workshops in Beijing. You can find him on Twitter @granitestudio.

Photos: Jeremiah Jenne