A growing number of white collar workers in big Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai are learning to make coffee in barista training schools, not just for fun.

According to Lisa, a teacher of Blend Coffee School located in downtown Beijing, most of the participants in the class are white collars aged between 20s and 40s. There are many such coffee making classes in Beijing, said she.

Zhang Pinju, a 26-year-old fashion designer in Beijing is attending the class held by Blend Coffee School.

"I learn to make coffee not for money, but just for my love of coffee," she said.

The classes are held on the weekends, making it possible for the white collars to attend.

"I learn to make coffee because I like the relaxing atmosphere of the coffee shop. We feel much pressure at work. Making coffee is a good method to reduce pressure and get fun," Zhang said.

Zhang's class has seven students who are strangers before the class begins. But they become good friends after a short time as they discuss and taste coffee made by each other.

"It is also a good opportunity to meet people and enlarge your social circle," Zhang said.