Pick and enjoy lychees at orchids in Nanshan District this summer. Xinhua
Good news! Nanshan District is expecting a bountiful lychee harvest this summer, with an estimated yield of 5,000 tons. Many orchards have now opened their gates for lychee picking and onsite tasting, with ticket prices ranging from 15 to 80 yuan (US$2.1-11.1).
Not all lychees harvested in Nanshan can be called “Nanshan Lychees.” Only certified lychees can carry this prestigious designation. The Nanshan lychee varieties — Nuomici, Guiwei, and Feizixiao — have been protected under the national geographical indication since 2006.
Lychee orchards in Nanshan are mainly located in the Xili, Nanshan, and Taoyuan subdistricts. Picking fresh lychees straight from the trees and savoring their juicy, sweet pulp onsite is a delightful experience.
Visitors are advised to wear long sleeves, long pants, and hats to protect against mosquitoes and sunburn. Many orchards provide rest areas, restrooms, cooling supplies, and first-aid kits.
Those who wish to take more lychees home or send them as gifts can take advantage of delivery services offered at the orchards.
Xili Orchard 西丽果场
One of Shenzhen’s largest lychee orchards, Xili Orchard features 10,000 lychee trees open for picking.
Dates: Until June 30
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Unlimited onsite lychee eating — 60 yuan/adult, 30 yuan/child; Combo ticket (unlimited onsite eating + 2.5 kg lychees to take home) — 200 yuan/person
Address: 4833 Shahe West Road, Nanshan District (南山区沙河西路4833号)
Metro: Line 5 to Liuxiandong Station (留仙洞站), Exit B, then taxi
Fuli Orchard 福丽农场
Located on a hillside along the Xili Lake Greenway, Fuli Orchard offers both lychee picking and beautiful scenic views.
Dates: Until July 5
Tickets: Onsite lychee picking and eating within 3 hours — 50 yuan/person
Address: 1 Wangjingkeng Road, Nanshan District (南山区王京坑路1号)
Metro: Line 7 to Xili Lake Station (西丽湖站), Exit B, then taxi
Lishan Industrial Zone 荔山工业区
Situated at the foot of Dananshan Mountain, this orchard boasts Shenzhen’s oldest lychee trees.
Dates: Through June 28
Tickets: Unlimited onsite lychee eating — 80 yuan/adult, 40 yuan/child
Address: 63 Yanshan Road, Nanshan District (南山区沿山路63号)
Metro: Line 5 to Xiwan Station (荔湾站), Exit A
Zijin Farm 紫金农庄·荔园溪谷
Next to Xili Lake Greenway, Zijin Farm offers lychees along with other fruits and vegetables for picking. The farm features a farmhouse kitchen and children’s recreational facilities, making it perfect for family outings.
Dates: Until July 20
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tickets: Unlimited onsite lychee eating — 25 yuan/adult, 15 yuan/child (under 1.2 meters), or 39 yuan (one adult + one child combo)
Address: 126 Likang Road, Nanshan District (南山区丽康路126号)
Metro: Line 7 to Xili Lake Station (西丽湖站), Exit B, then taxi
Main varieties of Nanshan Lychees
Feizixiao (妃子笑): The shell remains a mix of red and green when ripe. It has a larger kernel than Guiwei and Nuomici, with a balanced sweet and tart pulp. Typically available in early June.
Guiwei (桂味): Bright red, spiky shells with a prickly texture. Fragrant like osmanthus flowers. The pulp is sweet and refreshing with a small kernel. Available from mid-June.
Nuomici (糯米糍): Larger than Guiwei, with thick pulp, high sweetness, and a small kernel. The shell is smooth. Generally available in late June.
