In the heart of northwest China's Xinjiang region, a young couple has turned their cross-cultural journey into a thriving cafe, where African beans, local roots, and community warmth brew a space for shared stories and flavors.
Dilxat Tursun, a local from Kashi in Xinjiang, and his wife Diya, from Zanzibar, Tanzania, opened the Dili and Diya Cafe in 2023.
Inspired by their cross-cultural journey, they blend rich African coffee beans with the traditional tea flavors of Xinjiang, creating a unique fusion of taste and heritage.
"Our coffee beans are imported from Africa. I personally visited local markets there and sampled coffee beans from several cafes. After tasting them, I knew they were excellent. The beans are transported to Urumqi directly by the China-Europe Railway Express, ensuring their freshness and quality. That's why our espresso is exceptionally fresh and delicious," said Tursun.
As Kashi becomes a popular destination for travelers, their small cafe is rapidly becoming a must-visit spot, where global flavors meet local warmth — and every guest feels at home.
"During holidays such as May Day and National Day, we sell about 100 cups a day, earning roughly 3,000 to 4,000 yuan (about 420 to 560 U.S. dollars) daily. It's a small shop, but I think it's pretty amazing to sell coffee like this," said Tursun.
Tursun noted that Xinjiang has undergone significant development in recent years, with Kashi remaining a cultural and historical cornerstone. As a local saying goes, "If you visit Xinjiang but skip Kashi, you haven't truly experienced its essence."
"You can clearly see the development. When I came back seven or eight years ago, the Kashi I knew was already completely different. The ancient city of Kashi used to be densely packed with narrow streets, but now it feels much more spacious, with a clear blue sky and tall buildings all around. Development has reached new heights in every aspect, allowing all of us to enjoy the conveniences that progress brings, where people live in peace, work happily, and pursue their dreams," he said.
Young couple's cafe draws travelers to Xinjiang with African coffee, local hospitality
