World-Class Barista Zhang Yuen Hosts Hainan Siphon Workshops

When a global authority on coffee arrives in a small town to share brewing wisdom, local baristas listen. In November 2023, world-class barista Zhang Yuen traveled to Xinglong, Hainan, not once but twice, to conduct two intimate coffee workshops—first at the Xinglong Hot Spring Hotel Coffee Fort and then at the Xinglong Organic Coffee Garden. More than ten baristas from Haikou, Sanya, Qiongzhong, and local Xinglong attendees gathered to learn directly from one of the best.

Zhang Yuen held two coffee workshops in Xinglong on November 11 and 12, sharing his personal coffee story and leading hands-on discussions about siphon brewing with over ten Hainan-based baristas.

Why Zhang Yuen Returned to Xinglong

This was Zhang Yuen’s third visit to Hainan and his second to Xinglong—he had previously visited Chengmai Fushan. He was drawn back by an invitation from local coffee friends to help organise the Xinglong Overseas Chinese Traditional Coffee Brewing Competition and the Hainan “Xinglong Coffee” Cup Siphon Invitational, set for November 23–24 at the Wanning Capital Outlets. These events aim to celebrate Xinglong’s deep-rooted coffee heritage.

Xinglong’s Unique Coffee Culture

Zhang Yuen was struck by Xinglong’s authentic coffee culture. Unlike other regions, he observed that coffee is a daily ritual for the locals. “This is a place where everyone drinks coffee, every day. It’s in their blood,” he said. He praised the area’s preservation of vintage coffee equipment and traditional processing methods—from cultivation and picking to sun-drying, roasting, and grinding—all done manually.

The Taste Profile of Xinglong Coffee

Xinglong coffee, according to Zhang Yuen, is defined by three distinct characteristics: bitter, pure, and fragrant. These qualities, he noted, are rare and deeply tied to the region’s long history in coffee production—over 50 years—that is unmatched elsewhere in China. He emphasised that this heritage is irreplaceable and invaluable.

The Future of Xinglong Coffee

While tradition is the strength of Xinglong coffee, Zhang Yuen encouraged innovation. He suggested incorporating modern elements to make the coffee experience more engaging, such as transforming cafes into coffee farms and schools. He believes the region’s rich history should be embedded into every cup and that preserving this legacy is as important as evolving the craft.

The Upcoming Coffee Competition

The Xinglong Overseas Chinese Traditional Coffee Brewing Competition and the Hainan “Xinglong Coffee” Cup Siphon Invitational will take place on November 23–24 at Wanning Capital Outlets. This event is part of the 9 major activities of the 2015 Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival Wanning sub-venue. The siphon competition will feature 80 participants competing in preliminary, semi-final, and final rounds, judged by Zhang Yuen along with local and national experts. On November 25, there will be a free public siphon brewing demonstration where attendees can sample expert-brewed Xinglong coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zhang Yuen?

Zhang Yuen is a world-renowned barista, referred to in the article as a 'world-class' and 'top' barista, who was invited to Hainan to share his coffee knowledge and judge the upcoming siphon brewing competition.

Where did Zhang Yuen hold his coffee workshops in Xinglong?

Zhang Yuen conducted two coffee workshops in Xinglong—one on November 11 at the Xinglong Hot Spring Hotel Coffee Fort and another on November 12 at the Xinglong Organic Coffee Garden.

How many baristas attended Zhang Yuen’s workshops?

More than ten baristas from cities including Haikou, Sanya, Qiongzhong, and local Xinglong residents attended the workshops.

What are the key characteristics of Xinglong coffee according to Zhang Yuen?

Zhang Yuen described Xinglong coffee as having three defining traits: bitter, pure, and fragrant, noting its unique and deep-rooted taste profile.

What is the Hainan “Xinglong Coffee” Cup Siphon Invitational?

The Hainan “Xinglong Coffee” Cup Siphon Invitational is a brewing competition with 80 participants competing in multiple rounds on November 23–24, judged by Zhang Yuen and other experts, with a public demo and tasting on November 25.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Siphon Brewing

For siphon enthusiasts exploring Hainan’s coffee scene, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright floral and citrus notes with a juicy body, ideal for highlighting clarity in siphon brews. Their Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 delivers a balanced, smooth cup with mild acidity and nutty sweetness—perfect for showcasing the clean extraction siphon brewing is known for. Finally, try the PWN Golden Mandheling for its heavy body and low acidity with chocolatey, earthy tones, ideal for those appreciating traditional profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.