Guiyang barista claims East China championship

The 2026 China Barista Championship (CBC) East China Division concluded in Shanghai in early April. Liang Jiachen, head barista and owner of Hudou Coffee in Guiyang, claimed the title with his solid technical skills and calm, steady on‑stage performance, earning a place in the national finals.

The CBC, a sub‑competition of the World Barista Championship (WBC), offers baristas a platform to showcase their craft, share coffee knowledge, and exchange ideas with peers.

For the first time in an official competition, Liang chose not to use Geisha beans. Instead, he selected a Peruvian SL09 variety. The beans had been under testing since earlier this year, and their flavor profile – elegant and floral – is similar to Geisha. Liang admitted it was his first time abandoning Geisha in a formal contest, and the result proved to be a worthwhile gamble.

Hudou Coffee focuses primarily on espresso-based drinks, offering no pour-overs, which makes espresso quality absolutely critical. Years of competition experience has sharpened Liang's sensitivity to espresso control. The flavor explorations in competitions, in turn, help him fine-tune product quality at the shop.

Guiyang's coffee market has grown rapidly in recent years, giving rise to a number of passionate, skilled, and innovative shop owners and baristas. However, the city still lacks enough success stories of local talent making a mark on the national stage. Liang has demonstrated, through his actions, that even from a southwestern corner of China, dedication to the craft and a commitment to continuous improvement can earn recognition on a national platform.