Beijing Hosts Its First Coffee Carnival This Weekend

If you’re looking for the best place to experience top-level specialty coffee culture, competitions, and community all in one place this weekend, Beijing just delivered. The city’s first-ever Coffee Carnival is set to transform the first-floor atrium of Aegean Shopping Mall into a hub of live performances, elite brewing competitions, and hands-on tastings—packed into two days only.

Mark your calendar: the event kicks off Saturday, December 6 at 10:40 AM at Aegean Shopping Mall (12 Qisheng Road, Chaoyang District), and runs through Sunday, December 7.

A Dance Performance Dedicated to Coffee

Kicking off the festival is something truly unique: the very first Chinese dance piece created specifically to celebrate coffee. At 10:40 AM on Saturday, two young dancers from the National Song and Dance Ensemble will perform an elegant and classical tango titled 'Coffee Dance.' It’s not just entertainment—it sets the artistic tone for a festival centered around coffee culture.

World Coffee Championships Come to Beijing

The heart of the Carnival is the World Barista Championship (WBC) China Beijing Regional. On Saturday, 22 baristas from various cafés and institutions will compete in a structured, judged format over 15 minutes each. Each competitor must prepare and serve 12 drinks: 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 signature (creative) beverages. A panel of four sensory judges, two technical judges, and one head judge evaluates every aspect—from extraction skill and crema control to taste clarity and customer service. Competitors are selected by lottery to present in sequence throughout the day.

Home Baristas and Amateurs Join In With WAC

Also featured is the World Aeropress Championship (WAC) China Beijing Regional. This event welcomes both professionals and passionate coffee lovers—30 contestants in total. Unlike the high-stakes WBC, the WAC emphasizes accessibility, fun, and experimentation with the versatile AeroPress. Whether you're a café pro or just curious, the WAC showcases coffee’s playful side alongside its technical depth.

Coffee Tastings and Educational Zone

Organized by Beijing-based training academy Platinum Lane Coffee College (the event host), the Carnival includes a dedicated coffee experience area open all day both days. Here, attendees can sample specialty brews, learn directly from experts, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of coffee. It’s a rare chance to explore the craft in a relaxed, interactive environment.

How to Get There

The event takes place at: Aegean Shopping Mall, 12 Qisheng Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

• Subway: Line 10, exit G at Shaoyaoju Station; or Line 13, exit B at Guangximen Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Beijing Coffee Carnival happening?

The Beijing Coffee Carnival is scheduled for December 6 and 7, 2014, over the course of a weekend.

Where is the carnival being held?

It takes place on the first-floor atrium of Aegean Shopping Mall, located at 12 Qisheng Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

What time does the event start on Saturday?

The festival begins at 10:40 AM on Saturday, December 6, with a dance performance followed by the WBC China Beijing competition.

What is the World Barista Championship (WBC)?

The WBC is the premier global barista competition organized by World Coffee Events. In the Beijing regional, 22 competitors each have 15 minutes to prepare 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 creative drinks, judged on taste, technique, and service.

Can anyone enter the World Aeropress Championship (WAC)?

Yes, the WAC is open to both professional baristas and coffee enthusiasts. Thirty contestants will compete in a more relaxed, fun-focused format using the AeroPress.

Will there be coffee tastings and educational activities?

Absolutely. The event features a dedicated coffee experience zone where attendees can taste specialty coffee, talk to experts, and learn about brewing and coffee culture throughout both days.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Espresso Lovers

If you’re heading to the Beijing Coffee Carnival or just want to explore top-tier espresso at home, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent blends. Their Classic Blend is tailored for espresso and milk drinks, delivering rich texture and an easy-to-work-with crema—ideal for cappuccinos and lattes. For a bold, budget-friendly option, try the Black Cocoa Blend, which offers full body and deep notes without a high price tag. The Commercial Blend is another solid workhorse, providing consistent flavor and value for café use. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.