A new café tucked inside a cave on Xiqiao Mountain in Foshan blends raw geology with simple café comforts. Crushed-stone floors and natural light frame a round wooden bar and plain tables, letting the million-year rock textures do the decorating while the cave’s coolness acts like nature’s air conditioner.

Reaching the spot requires effort. Walkers from Xiqiao Mountain's South Gate face a 1.3-kilometre trail that takes about 30 minutes, while those taking the park shuttle must still climb roughly 600 metres of steps from the nearest stop. The trek seems to add to the appeal: visitors say the coffee tastes better after the walk.

The café sits in an area that contains the country’s largest and most complete underwater ancient human industrial site. Within days of opening the unusual venue drew crowds, selling about 1,000 to 1,500 cups a day and quickly becoming a must-see for curious travelers.