Central Perk in Beijing was a faithful recreation of the iconic coffee shop from the American TV show “Friends.” Established by Du Xin, a devoted fan who considered the show his “religion,” the café meticulously mirrored the original set, featuring identical brick walls, furnishings, and the signature orange couch. Patrons could enjoy items from a menu inspired by the series, with each dish annotated to reference the specific episode it appeared in.
The café also screened episodes of “Friends” with Chinese subtitles, making it a popular spot for local college students practicing English. Additionally, Du Xin created a replica of Joey’s apartment adjacent to the café, complete with a foosball table and oversized TV stand. Sadly, it closed in 2012.
