Manner Coffee in Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

Manner Coffee, the Shanghai-based specialty chain known for its affordable small cups and reusable-cup discount, has opened its first store in founder Han Yulong's hometown, Nantong.

The coffee shop sits within the former residence of Bao Zhuangxing (1585-1656), an official of the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), pairing modern minimalist counters with traditional black brick and carved wooden screens.

Founder Han, a Nantong native who built his career in Shanghai, has long championed quality coffee at accessible prices, offering a 5-yuan ($0.74) discount for customers who bring their own cups. The brand has become a notable name in China's premium coffee segment.

Since opening, the store has drawn both residents and younger visitors from across the city, filling the heritage compound with a mix of roasted coffee and aged timber.

The launch also highlights Nantong's evolving coffee culture. Over the past decade, the city has seen a cluster of independent coffee shops grow along lanes like Yixiao Alley and near the Haohe River, each with its own character, from cozy living-room-style spots to no‑frills daily staples.

While Nantong is often stereotyped as a city of intense academic competition, its growing coffee scene tells a different story: one where the same drive for achievement leaves room for unhurried afternoons by the water. As one local shop puts it, "half leisure, half hustle" may best capture the city's changing character.