Meet China’s Specialty Coffee Baristas: The Secret Files

If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind your perfect cup — the quiet genius crafting your espresso, the smiling face pouring your pour-over — here’s your answer. We’ve collected real stories from nine young baristas across China: their lives, their passions, and exactly where you can find them. No fluff. Just faces, facts, and favorite drinks.

There are at least nine featured baristas in this archive from cities including Shenzhen, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Beijing, Panyu, Zhangzhou, and Shaanxi — each with a unique coffee journey, personality, and sometimes even a cake recipe.

1. The Soulful Pour: A-Lin from Shenzhen

Meet Cai Junlin (A-Lin), a barista at Aix Coffee in Shenzhen. He describes his approach as ‘soulful focus’ — using taste and technique to guide drinkers through coffee’s full range: acid, aroma, bitterness, sweetness, and body. He’s passionate, optimistic, and invites you to experience his ‘coffee soul.’ Contact him via WeChat: Cjl19940410.

2. From Bartender to Barista: Anna from Xiamen

Anna, 20, left her hometown to explore Xiamen and never left. Once a bartender, she disliked the nightlife schedule and found her calling at Cat Drink Cafe during its renovation. Surrounded by fellow coffee lovers, she fell in love with the craft. ‘Because I like it, I persist,’ she says. Her passion continues to grow with every coffee she serves.

3. The Barista Who Bakes: Xiao Zhu from Guangzhou

Xiao Zhu is a soft-spoken, shy barista in Guangzhou who also makes cakes. His philosophy? ‘A waiter who can’t bake cakes isn’t a good barista.’ His desserts are as sweet as his smile, making him hard to resist — especially for anyone with a sweet tooth.

4. Focused on Flow: Fun.Penn from Chengdu

Fun.Penn is all about latte art and coffee concentration. Though quiet, his intense focus draws attention. When asked about his coffee philosophy, he simply says, ‘Coffee is happiness for me.’ That joy translates into every drink he makes.

5. The Traveling Barista: Guo Guo from Hangzhou

Guo Longfei, 23, introduces himself as a steady, serious barista, African drum enthusiast, and backpacker. He sees coffee as both a drink and a lifestyle. ‘When I see customers enjoy my coffee, I feel happy,’ he shares. His goal? To make every cup perfect.

6. The Trainer: Rain from Beijing

Rain, a barista and trainer in Beijing, has a cool demeanor and a story he says could fill a book. ‘Coffee made me who I am,’ he claims. He warns: ‘Baristas are not to be messed with.’ His confidence and experience make him someone to chat with over a cup.

7. The Minimalist: Meiha Chan from Panyu

Meiha Chan is a quiet, smiley barista who speaks very little. When pressed, she offered just a coffee and seven words: ‘Life is like a cup of coffee.’ Her subtle strength and mysterious vibe hint at a deep appreciation for the drink — and life.

8. The Dreamer: Barista Xiang from Zhangzhou

At just 18, Barista Xiang is mature beyond his years. With a calm presence, he dreams of owning his own shop with a roaster. He sees coffee as a reflection of life — with its bitter, sweet, and surprising notes. He values coffee for helping him find balance.

9. The Owner-Operator: Gala from Shaanxi

Gala runs his own coffee shop and training business in Shaanxi. Cool and composed, he offers a unique view: coffee is a technical skill, while running a café is commercial art. His perspective blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the baristas featured in the ‘’?

The archive includes nine baristas: A-Lin (Shenzhen), Anna (Xiamen), Xiao Zhu (Guangzhou), Fun.Penn (Chengdu), Guo Guo (Hangzhou), Rain (Beijing), Meiha Chan (Panyu), Barista Xiang (Zhangzhou), and Gala (Shaanxi). Each has a unique background and personality, from bakers to trainers, quiet artists to cafe owners.

How can I find or contact these baristas?

Contact details were provided for some: A-Lin (WeChat: Cjl19940410), others can be found by visiting their cities and cafes — such as Cat Drink Cafe in Xiamen or Aix Coffee in Shenzhen. The article encourages readers to reach out via the original WeChat account (best-cafe) for more info or to join the archive.

What is the ‘’?

The ‘’ (Top Secret Barista Archives) is a playful yet sincere project highlighting real, passionate baristas across China. It shares their stories, photos, and locations to help coffee lovers connect with the people behind their cups.

Is there a deadline to join the barista archives?

Yes, according to the original post, the sign-up deadline for the barista archive was November 11. The call was open to anyone wanting to share their coffee story, photo, and self-introduction via WeChat: best-cafe.

What should I include if I want to join a barista profile archive?

To participate, you need to submit a personal photo (ideally with coffee), a self-introduction (including your city, age, coffee story, or personal philosophy), and contact details. Submit via the designated WeChat account: best-cafe.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Baristas

For the baristas featured in this story, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — bright and complex with citrus and floral tones — ideal for pour-over fans like Fun.Penn. Also try the FrontStreet Yirgacheffe, known for its juicy body and berry notes, a great match for A-Lin’s sensory-focused style. Lastly, the FrontStreet Red Cherry Espresso offers chocolatey richness with a touch of cherry, perfect for lattes as admired by Rain. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.