Guiyang aspires to become premier coffee hub

Guiyang, celebrated for its cool climate and relaxing lifestyle, is crafting a new identity as a prime destination for coffee enthusiasts.

The city hosted the "Aroma of Coffee in Guiyang" series of events from Aug 16 to17, drawing coffee aficionados from around the world to showcase their skills. The air was thick with the rich aroma of coffee as over 50 top brands presented their finest brews to eager crowds.

At the opening ceremony, officials unveiled an ambitious plan to bolster the coffee industry, aiming to transform Guiyang into an influential hub for coffee consumption and cultural experiences.

The city's coffee journey began in 2005 with the launch of its first specialty coffee shops. It is home to one of the country’s highest coffee shop densities, with more than 20 specialty cafes within a 3-kilometer radius.

Authorities have implemented a raft of measures, including developing a diverse landscape of coffee brands, creating tourist attractions with coffee-themed stations, and integrating coffee into local festivals.

The city is focusing on the entire coffee supply chain, from cultivation and processing to distribution, to create a "seed to cup" industry model, with initiatives to incorporate coffee into government and corporate hospitality services underway.

New academic programs in coffee cultivation, processing, tasting, and management are being introduced in local colleges to cultivate industry-ready professionals.

Guiyang's coffee ambitions are enhancing the city's leisure offerings, boosting youth employment, and shaping a chic urban image. She Nian, director of the Guiyang bureau of commerce, said that targeted policies will be implemented to strengthen collaboration between the government, associations, and enterprises. This approach aims to transform Guiyang's coffee scene from a trendy hotspot into a thriving industry.