An event blending cultural heritage with modern lifestyle was held on Aug 2 at the former residence of Bao Zhuangxing (1585-1656), a renowned scholar-official of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), to promote the vitalization of historical courtyard properties in the Sijie and Xi'nanying historical and cultural blocks.

During the event, Manner Coffee's flagship store in Nantong began a soft launch at Bao's centuries-old residence. The traditional wooden two-story building, featuring a unique octagonal balcony, now houses a contemporary coffee space. This innovative fusion proved instantly popular, setting a national single-day sales record for Manner outlets within days of opening.

Nantong flagship store of Manner Coffee begins a soft launch at the former residence of Bao Zhuangxing in Sijie and Xi'nanying historical and cultural blocks. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

The brand's founder, Han Yulong, is a Nantong native. He first ran a photography-themed coffee shop in his hometown in 2012 before moving to Shanghai to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. Starting from a tiny two-square-meter window shop, he grew Manner into a national chain with over 2,500 stores, and later established a production base in Tongzhou Bay, Nantong.

Bao Honglong, a descendant of Bao Zhuangxing, said, "This old house was once quiet and forgotten. Now, with the coffee shop here, people sip coffee while soaking in the stories of this ancient dwelling. History is no longer a static relic but a living presence, as the vibrant footfall has brought our city's cultural roots back to life."

The event also unveiled investment opportunities for ancient courtyard properties, including creative cultural spaces, specialty dining, boutique accommodations, and more, offering opportunities for brands to collaborate in the vitalization effort.