Beijing's annual grand coffee event, the Langyuan Station Coffee Festival, came back this year with a bigger flare, for the first time hosting a coffee and chocolate double feast under one roof. It almost didn't happen – Friday's opening was cancelled as Beijing was battered by rain and thunder.
However, the organizers shifted the entire event indoors for Saturday, and as it turned out, ungodly weather is no obstacle for a crowd of true coffee lovers. So we headed in on Saturday, slightly damp but full of that anticipatory buzz.
Running for the third consecutive year, this festival is an annual event at the Central Station of the Capital Group Langyuan Station, the venue's industrial bones giving the whole thing a cool, market-meets-exhibition feel.
This year's lineup had seen a significant upgrade, both in scale and in the range of what was on offer. Premium coffee brands from China and around the world filled the floor, showcasing professional brewing equipment alongside creative signature drinks, specialty coffee beans and regionally distinctive blends, all in one place.
An ice-cold americano in hand, I proceeded to have a few pleasant conversations with the visitors and exhibitors.