Yunshan Hub: A homely Café with Dishes and Books.

Editor’s note: The Yunshan Student Work-Study program of GDUFS was established in September 2003. To date, it has founded 22 venues for work-study, including the Yunshan Coffee House, Yunshan Fitness Room, Yunshan Bakery and Yunshan Images, providing nearly 2000 work-study positions for students in total. All of these economic entities are managed independently by students under the guidance of the Student Work Department. Students can hold the posts of director, manager and employee, providing an opportunity for them to fully utilize their enthusiasm and creativity. The Yunshan Student Work-Study program achieves the dual goals of aiding students in need and cultivating entrepreneurial practice, allowing them to better engage with the market and society. This series aims to introduce the “Yunshan Work-Study Program” to better deepen appreciation and understanding of the program on campus.

Yunshan Hub, established in 2004 on floor b1 of the library, is one of the most popular cafés at GDUFS. Since then, after years of development, the hub has become the first choice for those who want to spend their time reading. After being awarded the title of “Advanced Group of Entrepreneurial Practice” in 2016, this cafe has become an impressive example for visitors who want to have a deeper insight into the GDUFS Yunshan work study program.

The gate of Yunshan Hub

The distinct feature that sets this Yunshan Hub apart is two-fold. The first one is its unique environment. The dense plants outside the French windows offer a touch of greenery to its guests. When customers feel tired during reading, they can raise their heads and the bamboos outside the window will help their weariness fade away. The special indoor decorating offers customers an opportunity for snugness and relaxation. As a customer, every time I sit on the sofa next to the French window, a cozy and homely feeling overwhelms me and make me feel peace in my heart, refreshing me before I go back to study. Additionally, the café also has a 5-people private room which features fascinating calligraphy and landscape painting, which customers need to pay an extra two yuan to enjoy. This pleasant environment attracts many readers for a moment of relaxation during their busy work and study.

The VIP room with paintings and calligraphy

The other feature is the availability of books. Although there are several cafes in GDUFS, nobody offers as many books as Yunshan Hub. When you enter this café, you will be attracted by the tapestry of books on the shelves, ranging from novels, magazines to travel brochures. A selection of photos on the shelves recount many valuable memories of café. When you get an idea during reading, the guest book on every table gives you a place to write down your thoughts, whether it’s a suggestion for the service or some words that have haunted you for a long time.

The guest books on a table

The dishes and drinks on offer also contribute to the popularity of this hub. Bobo Tea, a kind of mixed milk tea with a foamy milk cap and chocolate powder, is many people’s favorite. Another dish worthy of mention are the mashed potato sandwiches. Unlike the commonplace sandwiches in other cafés and stores, this sandwich is mainly made of mashed potato with sliced ham and pieces of sliced lettuce, and is recommended strongly by many customers who prefer low-calorie meals. As summertime approaches, the cold brewed tea is another refreshing choice.

The Bobo Tea, one of the most popular beverages in Yunshan Hub

The hub is operated entirely by students, who act as waiters, baristas, and cashiers, and offers a training course for the freshmen. After joining, the baristas learn how to make coffee, cocktails, and yolk pastries. The hub has five departments for marketing, beverages, finance, human resources and general affairs. Not only can students gain work experience, but also they can make pocket money and become acquainted more friends.

Apart from a homely environment for customers, Yunshan Hub is a home for employees as well. “The hub is a harmonious family, where you can feel a strong sense of belonging,” the deputy director of general affairs said. “Every time, when I hear a greeting from customers, I feel warm inside.”

Next year, Yunshan Hub will celebrate its 20^th anniversary. The first students who founded it have long since grown up to work jobs elsewhere, but the legacy of their café remains, still offering excellent service to students and teachers.