Guizhou Tea Beverage Competitions Conclude Successfully: Innovative Integration Revitalizes the Industry

Recently, the 2025 Guizhou Matcha Product Innovation Competition and the New Tea Beverage Mixology Competition concluded successfully in Jiangkou County, Tongren City – also known as the "Capital of Chinese Matcha."

Competition venue

Photo by Luo Miao

This gathering of over 60 industry mixology masters was not only a contest of skill but also a vivid demonstration of the deep integration between Guizhou’s tea industry and its local culture.

Competition venue

Photo by Luo Miao

Using local Guizhou ingredients as their creative inspiration, the competitions sparked a spectacular “creative storm.” The pungent aroma of mountain pepper, the sweet-and-sour taste of prickly pear, the unique scent of Houttuynia cordata, and the fresh tang of kiwi and passionfruit blended with vibrant tea notes under the contestants’ skillful hands. These creations resulted in a series of stunning flavor combinations that pushed the boundaries of traditional tea beverages, allowing the “Taste of Guizhou” to take on new life in a cup.

Judge evaluating contestant's work

Photo by Luo Miao

The innovations extended beyond taste. Contestants cleverly incorporated cultural elements such as Guizhou’s green mountains and waters, along with ethnic patterns, into the visual presentation of their drinks. This ensured that each beverage offered dual value: a “feast for the taste buds” and an “expression of culture.” This approach not only highlighted the artistry of beverage crafting but also strengthened the unique regional identity of Guizhou’s tea drinks.

Contestant explaining their drink concept

Photo by Luo Miao

As a key local component of a national competition circuit, these dual competitions provided a direct bridge for local Guizhou tea beverage talents to reach the national stage. Using matcha as their medium, young mixologists injected fresh youthful energy into Guizhou’s tea industry, showcasing the limitless possibilities of deep integration with local culture.

Award ceremony

Photo by Luo Miao