When you think of China in terms of cars, you think of high-tech electric vehicles. You think of autonomous self-driving cars—technological marvels. But car culture is one of the last things you associate with China.
Culture is something that cannot be bought or advanced through technology; it is experienced, born from years of firsthand exposure and constant reliving, forming a collective set of values, ideas, and aspirations with a unique perspective, twist, or identity. With only a third of China owning a car, it’s getting there—but not quite yet, or so we think.
Beijing has been China’s political seat of power for close to a millennium. It has attracted the best and brightest minds, making it the cultural epicenter of China. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven are some of China’s most important sites that carry historical and cultural significance.
Today, however, after a recent holiday in China, we’re adding one more important site that pays homage—this time to car culture: Runoilbus.
Runoilbus is a relatively new car cafe and display intended as a pit stop for drivers enjoying a cruise around Beijing. It’s easily accessible, located among restaurants and within range of Beijing’s Scitech Outlet Mall in Chaoyang District. If you’re visiting from abroad, download Didi, China’s ride hailing app as it’s the easiest way to get here.
It’s a gathering place, a social hub for car enthusiasts who want to hang out over coffee and enjoy Runoilbus’ small but impressive late-model exotic sports car collection.
Though the display is modest in size, these are all pillars of performance and the stuff automotive dreams are made of: a Ferrari F458 Speciale, F430 Scuderia, 812 Superfast, a BMW Z8, a Lamborghini Murciélago,
a Lexus LFA, and a Porsche 911 GT2 RS plus a very limited RUF CTR3 and, curiously, a MINI Coupe tucked away in the corner.
Aside from coffee, Runoilbus’ cafe also serves some desserts. They also have memorabilia and merchandise for sale.
The people behind it seem to enjoy track driving and motorsports, as evidenced by numerous track photos and motorsport memorabilia like racing suits and helmets on display.
A Ferrari racing suit worn by the legendary Michael Schumacher is hung prominently, as are suits from Daniel Ricciardo and Jenson Button.
Not much else can be gleaned about Runoilbus online, at least not in English. On-site, it was mostly Chinese literature with some broken English when talking to the cashier.
But it’s easy enough to understand that Runoilbus is a gathering place for kindred spirits.
There are a handful of reviews online. It’s best to visit and experience it yourself next time you’re in Beijing!
And to keep the wife and kids happy, send them to the outlet mall nearby while you soak up the culture and enjoy a warm drink at Runoilbus.
Don’t forget to buy some merch!
