From harvest timelines to orchard updates, here's everything you need to know about this year's lychee season, including when your favorite varieties will arrive and what's happening on the ground right now.
The Feizixiao lychees have already grown to the size of a thumb in a local orchard. (Photo: Dongguan Fabu)
In Dalang Town, Dongguan, lychee orchards are thriving as the season approaches. The Feizixiao variety—known for its sweet, slightly tart flavor—is expected to hit the market by late May. By mid-June, other popular varieties like Nuomici (renowned for its soft, glutinous texture) and Guiwei (with its signature cinnamon-like flavor) will follow.
Orchard managers are busy with pest control, fertilization, and other maintenance to ensure a bumper harvest. Early-season lychees are expected to be priced at 10–15 RMB per jin (1.1 pounds), in line with previous years.
Lychee trees are in full bounty during the previous harvest seasons in Dongguan. (Photo: Nanfang+)
According to the "2025 Guangdong Lychee Procurement Guide," this year will see a bumper harvest for Guangdong lychees. Western Guangdong is expected to produce 990,000 tons, with an equal 990,000 tons projected from Eastern Guangdong. The Pearl River Delta region is forecast to yield 140,000 tons, while Guangzhou is set to contribute 110,000 tons.
In 2025, Dongguan's lychee cultivation covers 157,600 mu (about 10,500 hectares). The main varieties include Nuomici, Guiwei, Guanyinlv (jade-green lychee), Bingli (ice lychee), Feizixiao, and others. Based on current fruit development, and assuming favorable weather conditions continue, the total harvest is estimated to reach between 24,000 and 30,000 tons.
Expected market timeline for Dongguan lychees
Feizixiao: Late May to early June
Nuomici, Guiwei, Bingli, Guanxianglì, Guanfuhong: Early to mid June
Guanyinlv, Lingfengnuo, Xianjinfeng: Mid to late June
Author | Wang Yulin (intern), Liu Lingzhi
Editor | Huang Qini, James, Shen He
