Rapha has confirmed the opening of its first Clubhouse in mainland China. The new space is located at No.20 Donghu Road in Shanghai’s historic Hengshan-Fuxing Road Cultural Area and will have an official grand opening celebration later this month.
The Shanghai Clubhouse is the first expression of Rapha’s ‘next-generation Clubhouse concept’, which draws inspiration from Italian cafés. It reimagines the circolo – or club – as a modern space for connection and community.
The Clubhouse is set within a restored 1925 mansion. The interior is rooted in British industrial design and features materials such as walnut, stainless steel, white oak, and ceramic tiling. It includes subtle pink accents, a nod to Rapha’s signature colourway.
Rapha noted that the Clubhouse is designed as a cultural anchor for cyclists and will host regular rides and events, offering riders a space to connect over coffee.
Rapha’s community in China has reportedly grown rapidly since it entered the market just over a year ago. The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) now has over 400 members across Shanghai and Beijing.
Fran Millar, Rapha Chief Executive Officer, said “Our calling has never been clearer: cycling has the power to change lives – and nowhere is that more visible right now than in China.
“The Rapha Shanghai Clubhouse will become home to a thriving cycling community and a launchpad for a bold new chapter in our mission to build the greatest club in the world.”
The Shanghai Clubhouse also features a co-retail partnership with Factor Bikes, and the retail space pairs Rapha’s apparel with Factor’s engineering.
Rob Gitelis, Founder of Factor Bikes and Black Inc, said “United by a shared ambition to push the sport of cycling forward, we’re creating a new kind of destination for cyclists in China – immersive, inspiring, and built for those who live to ride.”
Leading Rapha’s growth in the region is Ariel Huang, the newly appointed General Manager for China.
Ariel Huang noted that “In just a year, we’ve seen a groundswell of energy across China’s cycling scene. This Clubhouse will be the beating heart of that movement – a place to belong, to be inspired, and to go further, together.”
Chain Zou, RCC Member and Rapha’s first ambassador in mainland China, added “The energy here is unreal. Every ride, every coffee stop – you feel part of something bigger. Having a Clubhouse in the heart of Shanghai makes it real – it gives us a home.”
