Yunyan barista wins national runner-up title

The 2026 China Brewers Cup concluded in Guiyang on July 19. Liang Baoyi from Captain George claimed the national runner-up title, further cementing the city's reputation as the "City of Coffee Champions".

Liang claims the runner-up title in the competition. [Photo/WeChat account of Yunyan district]

The competition brought together 40 top baristas selected from nine competition divisions across China. After three rounds of contests, six advanced to the final stage.

Liang's presentation focused on optimizing the energy management of the brewing dripper. Her coffee delivered delicate and balanced flavors, winning recognition from the judges.

Liang moved to Guiyang last year and now oversees the management of all Captain George stores. Reflecting on more than a year of living and working in Guiyang, she says the city's coffee culture has provided the ideal environment for her steady growth.

A Captain George store in Yunyan district. [Photo/WeChat account of Yunyan district]

"Guiyang boasts a large community of coffee lovers. People of all ages are open to trying and embracing specialty coffee," Liang said. "Daily interactions with customers push me to refine my brewing techniques and pursue better coffee."

Guiyang is now home to more than 3,000 coffee shops and hosts numerous winners of domestic and international coffee competitions. Liang's success has once again testified to Guiyang's mature coffee consumption market and solid pool of industry talents, showcasing the vitality and potential of Guiyang's coffee industry.