Surfing the Internet is not the only activity to be had in the modern versions of Internet cafes in China. (Photo : Getty Images)
Internet cafes of the past are slowly being replaced by high-tech concept versions complete with high-end equipment and, sometimes, even a dessert parlor, according to an article by China Daily.
These types of Internet cafes are particularly popular among young Chinese, especially those who engage in e-sports, according to Beijing-based consultancy firm iResearch Consulting Group.
Surfing the Internet is not the only activity to be had in the modern versions of Internet cafes in China. E-sports contents are frequently held and organized, and if hungry or thirsty, one can easily order a drink or a snack from the bar.
The atmosphere has changed as well. Gone are the clunky PCs and the cubicle-marked spaces--the 2016 version of the Internet cafe sports spacious halls, advanced hardware, comfortable seats, and great audio effects.
One such Internet cafe in China is Wangyu e-sports, a high-end Internet bar established by WYWK in November. Located at the Beijing Workers' Stadium, it's the first of the Shanghai-based company's string of high-end Internet cafes.
A total of 20 million yuan ($.307 million) was invested in the Internet bar, with Wang Sicong, son of the richest man on the Chinese mainland, as one of the investors.
Different sections divide the room, where couples and teams can spend some time. Video rooms come at an additional cost from 12 yuan to 20 yuan per person per hour.
Guests get to use a 27-inch Apple iMac that has already been connected to live gaming websites. Drinks and snacks can be ordered. Approximately 300 customers visit the Internet bar each day, spending about 60 yuan on average.
"Owing to the rapid growth of e-sports, we are building an e-sports ecosystem comprising gaming companies, e-sports players, social media, hardware manufacturers, e-sports venues and governing bodies," said Huang in an interview with China Daily.
Since its establishment, Wangyu has hosted an array of e-sports events.
"More than 20 e-sports events have been held here by major gaming companies like Tencent Games' League of Legends, DOTA and Heroes of the Storm, created by U.S. electronic games company Blizzard Entertainment Inc.," said Chen Zhenqian, general manager of the Internet bar. "We expect bigger e-sports events will be held here."
