The air is filled with the aroma of coffee, while music drifts through the summer breeze. In Kunming, the 2026 Dianchi International Coffee Culture Carnival is bustling with crowds, as specialty coffee, food, music and ethnic culture come together, attracting residents and tourists eager to experience the vibrant festivities.

"Hello everyone, I'm Lucas from France. I work in Kunming, and I love coffee." During the event, Lucas — Cultural and Education Director at Alliance Française de Kunming joined the livestream as a guest.  He took viewers on a tour of the carnival, experiencing the charm of Kunming's coffee culture firsthand and sharing his "Yunnan coffee" experience with audiences in China and around the world.

Lucas at the Dianchi Coffee Carnival. Photo by Wang Tiandou/Reporter

Speaking about his relationship with coffee, Lucas says he was first introduced to coffee culture by a Swedish friend. "Before that, I didn't really understand the culture behind coffee." As he learned more, he realized coffee is more than just a beverage — it is a thread connecting lifestyles, regional cultures, and people.

"Coffee has some similarities to French wine culture," Lucas says. A wine from a specific region reflects the character of its terroir; likewise, coffee from different regions carries its own flavors and stories. "The connection between people, the land, and production is very important."

Lucas and the host discussing coffee cultures from around the world. Photo by Wang Tiandou/ Reporter

Walking into the carnival, Lucas was captivated by the dazzling array of coffee booths. Beans from different regions, specialty drinks, and innovative brewing methods gave him a firsthand look at Yunnan's coffee industry.

Lucas trying an apple latte. Photo by Wang Tiandou/Reporter

At the specialty coffee tasting area, Lucas sampled an osmanthus Americano. The richness of coffee blended with the delicate fragrance of osmanthus, creating a unique taste experience. "This floral note is very special," he said. Infusing local ingredients into coffee is a creative way to give the drink a stronger sense of place, he added.

Next, Lucas tried an apple latte. The crisp sweetness of apple intertwined with the coffee's aroma, producing a warm and smooth flavor. "This flavor reminds me of autumn," he shared. In different countries, people create coffee drinks according to the seasons and local culture — and it is through this kind of innovation that coffee culture keeps evolving.

Beyond coffee, the Yunnan specialties at the carnival also caught Lucas's eye. Stopping at a Dai-style grilled sausage stall, he tried the local snack as the host introduced it. The distinctive spices and savory meat blended in his mouth, and Lucas gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up: "Delicious!" Through food, he said, one can feel the diversity of Yunnan culture and gain a deeper understanding of the way people live here.

Lucas sampling Yunnan specialty food. Photo by Wang Tiandou/Reporter 

In the afternoon, the float parade brought the carnival atmosphere to a climax. Accompanied by upbeat music, colorful floats rolled slowly past as a motorcycle convoy made its way along the streets. Coffee-themed elements, ethnic dances and the cityscape came together in a vibrant display. Lucas stopped to watch, taking in the lively performances.

The float parade at the carnival. Photo provided by the organizer

The live band also caught Lucas's attention. Melodious tunes, a lively and engaging atmosphere, and the aroma of coffee came together to create a unique carnival experience.

Live performance by Coffee Quartet. Photo provided by the organizer

"There's so much energy here," Lucas said. In Kunming, coffee is more than just a drink — it has become part of urban life, blending with music, art, food and local culture. "I think it's a truly special experience."

After the livestream, Lucas shared his thoughts on the carnival. In his view, the Dianchi International Coffee Culture Carnival not only showcases coffees from different regions and with diverse flavor profiles, but also highlights the cultural exchange that takes place around coffee.

"This experience was wonderful," Lucas said. He sampled creative coffee drinks infused with Yunnan flavors and experienced the unique appeal that emerges when coffee meets local culture. "As a Frenchman, I rarely see a coffee festival in Europe that brings together so many different cultural elements."

Speaking about Kunming, Lucas said the city had left him with a strong impression of openness and diversity. Here, traditional culture and modern life come together, while people from different countries and cultural backgrounds can connect through coffee — a shared language. "Kunming is a very friendly city. I really love it here."

From a single cup of coffee to an encounter with a city, Lucas's journey in Kunming was more than a tasting experience — it was a cultural exchange. Through the eyes of an international guest, the Dianchi International Coffee Culture Carnival offers overseas audiences a glimpse of the unique appeal of Yunnan coffee, while showcasing Kunming's open, inclusive and diverse character.

Click here to view the Chinese report

（Editors: Flynn, Doe)