East Asia Internet Cafes Rebound 12.7% to 122,600 as Slowdown Drives Demand for Cheap Refuge
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 4
East Asia Internet Cafes Rebound 12.7% to 122,600 as Slowdown Drives Demand for Cheap Refuge
1 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 4
Summary
122,600 internet cafes were operating in China last year, up 12.7%, with industry revenue topping 101.7 billion yuan in a comeback tied to the economic slowdown.
0.6 yuan an hour at one mainland cafe — or 14.4 yuan for a full day — shows why the venues are drawing gig workers and people between jobs as a low-cost urban fallback.
Mainland operators have expanded beyond web access, adding reclining chairs, private booths, showers, washing machines and inexpensive meals to keep customers for longer stays.
Hong Kong is seeing the same shift, with mainland chains opening branches and selling overnight packages to travelers seeking a cheaper alternative to costly hotels.
The revival highlights how internet cafes are evolving into an informal safety net in East Asian cities even as restaurants, retailers and property developers struggle.