Final Part of Exclusive Barista Profiles Released Before 11.11

If you've been following our two-part series highlighting talented baristas across China, you’ve likely been waiting for this: the final round. With eleven more coffee professionals sharing their stories, this edition wraps up a collection that shines a light on those often behind the espresso machine—introducing you to the faces, dreams, and philosophies of the people crafting your daily brew.

In total, we’ve featured twenty baristas from cities like Chengdu, Qingdao, Xi’an, Wuhan, and beyond. Each has a unique path into coffee, a personal philosophy, and sometimes, a dream shop or a signature style. Read on to meet them all.

The Final Ten Baristas You Should Know

1. Ze Xi – Chengdu

Ze Xi wasn’t always a coffee professional. Before diving into the world of espresso and milk, he was just a fun-loving guy who fell for coffee while working part-time. He trained formally, explored various cafés to expand his skills, and is now a head barista in his early twenties. Known for his calm focus behind the machine and his dream of opening a café with a like-minded partner, he sums it up simply: “Coffee is my life.” Connect with him on WeChat: yt726467746.

2. Yan Fengfeng – Chengdu

A former architect, Yan Fengfeng switched careers after discovering his passion for coffee. Tired of late nights and uninspired work, he found that coffee brought energy and purpose to his life. “It makes me feel like I’m glowing when I pull shots,” he says. At just 23, he’s proof that coffee can completely reshape your path.

3. Xiong Xiong – Qingdao

Xiong Xiong, a 21-year-old barista with a year and a half of experience, describes coffee as akin to life’s journey—“bitter with sweet moments.” She sees milk as the brush that paints the final beautiful picture. Her metaphor-rich view reflects a thoughtful approach to the craft she’s still exploring.

4. Xu Si – Xi’an

Xu Si, also known as “Xu Da Xia” or “Miss Xu,” credits coffee with transforming her outlook on life. She founded her café, “Beautiful Time Coffee Shop,” to offer people a daily moment of joy. “I want more people to experience this beauty,” she says. For her, coffee is not just a job—it’s a calling.

5. Xiao Yang Ge – Baicheng, Jilin

This warm-hearted barista from the northeast believes in coffee as a shared experience. He describes the art of latte as a metaphor for life’s journey: choosing your shot (goal), pouring with intention (action), practicing your pour (process), and finishing with control (result). His calm demeanour and love for the craft make him a favourite among customers.

6. Miao Ge – Wuhan

With five years in the industry, Miao Ge has worked everywhere from chain cafés to launching his own shop in an office building. “I hope my coffee can be more affordable so more people can enjoy it,” he shares. Both cats and coffee are non-negotiable parts of his life.

7. Chen Gong – Zhejiang

This soft-spoken 20-something from Yiwu fell in love with coffee during his military service. Despite initial family resistance, he pursued training independently and is now planning to open his own quiet café. “I want a place with good music, great coffee, and no stress,” he says. His journey shows how far dedication can take you.

8. Xiao Wan (Mickey) – Hainan

Once an office worker, Mickey left a comfortable corporate life to train as a barista in Guangzhou before moving to Dongguan and eventually Hainan. He now works at a tourist spot on Jiaojiezhou Island. He believes coffee is meant to be shared—and that’s exactly what he’s doing.

9. Pu Jiajun – Yunnan

Hailing from Yuxi, the heart of China’s coffee-growing region, Pu Jiajun fell for coffee after one cup of cappuccino. Though originally into fashion, he’s now passionate about hand brewing and hopes more young people join the industry. For him, every cup holds complexity—just like life.

10. Dong Jie – Beijing

At just 19, Dong Jie loves crafting lattes and drawing patterns on the crema. She prefers milk drinks over straight espressos and takes her work seriously despite her youthful appearance. She’s eager to connect with others in the coffee community and learn more every day.

Why This Series Matters

This two-part profile series was created to do one thing: put faces to the baristas who usually remain behind the counter. Too often, the people who craft your coffee are overlooked. By sharing their stories—from career changes to personal motivations—we aimed to build a stronger coffee community and celebrate the humans behind the hustle.

What We Learned

Across twenty profiles, common themes emerged: coffee as transformation, as creativity, as connection. Whether it’s a former architect, a part-timer turned mentor, or a teen barista dreaming big, each person brings their own reason for being here—and their own approach to the craft. Many hope to open their own shops. Others just want to make great drinks and meet others who care as much as they do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many baristas were featured in the complete series?

In total, twenty baristas were highlighted across both parts of the “Confidential Barista Profiles” series. Ten were featured in the first part, and ten more in this concluding edition.

What cities were these baristas from?

The baristas come from a variety of Chinese cities including Chengdu, Qingdao, Xi’an, Wuhan, Baicheng (Jilin), Yunnan, Hainan, Beijing, Zhejiang, and Jilin. Their diverse backgrounds reflect the growing reach of specialty coffee culture across China.

What is the most common motivation among these baristas?

Many baristas cited personal transformation through coffee—finding confidence, purpose, or a new direction in life. Quite a few switched careers to pursue coffee professionally, including an architect, a fashion lover, and a former office worker.

Do any of the baristas have specific goals like opening cafés?

Yes, multiple baristas expressed dreams of opening their own cafés. Ze Xi wants to open one with a partner, Xu Si already runs her own shop called Beautiful Time Coffee, and Xiao Wan emphasizes sharing coffee with others in his island location.

How can I connect with these baristas?

Several baristas shared contact details, such as Ze Xi who provided his WeChat: yt726467746. Others can be found through their cafés or local coffee communities. Most welcome conversation and networking within the coffee scene.

Why focus on baristas instead of beans or equipment?

This series was specifically about celebrating the people who make specialty coffee possible. While beans and gear matter, it’s the baristas’ skill, passion, and personality that shape your experience. By putting them in the spotlight, we aim to build appreciation for the human side of coffee.

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Barista Inspiration

Explore the FrontStreet Coffee lineup that resonates with the craft and passion of the baristas featured here. Try the Ethiopia Humbera for its vibrant citrus and floral notes, ideal for pour-over fans; the Panama Humbera offers complex stone fruit and sweetness, perfect for showcasing espresso artistry; and the Yirgacheffe delivers bright jasmine and berry tones, a favourite among latte artists. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.