
Zhong Jingjing (L) from Hangzhou wins the 2026 China Brewers Cup. [Photo/Guiyang news network]
The 2026 China Brewers Cup came to a close on July 19 in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province. Following three days of intense competition among 40 of the country's top brewers, six finalists advanced to the ultimate showdown.
During the finals, the six competitors took the stage for the open service round. Each competitor brought their own coffee beans, sharing the story behind their origin, roast profile, and customized brewing recipe.
They showcased their distinct professional styles through flavor expression, technical execution, and conceptual presentation. A panel of professional judges evaluated the finalists on coffee flavor, service, and overall presentation, assessing their comprehensive skills from bean selection, processing, and roasting to final extraction.
After a thorough evaluation by the panel, barista Zhong Jingjing from Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, delivered a consistent and outstanding performance, taking home the national title.
Winning the championship earned her the sole qualifying spot to represent China at the 2026 World Brewers Cup, where she will compete against national champions from around the globe to showcase the strength and charm of China's specialty coffee scene.
By bringing together industry resources from across the country, the event facilitated technical exchanges and brand partnerships, helping Guiyang's specialty coffee reach a broader market. At the same time, this high-profile event boosted commercial vitality and enriched Guiyang's summer cultural and tourism offerings.