Guangdong Province, a leading producer of lychees in China, has earned a solid reputation for its high-quality fruit, rich agricultural heritage, and innovative food products. The region's lychees are now enjoyed worldwide, thanks to favorable growing conditions, a storied history, and modern advancements in preservation and distribution.
Guangdong's lychee plantations cover over 280,000 hectares, contributing more than one-third of the world's total lychee output.
The province's subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and infrequent frosts, creates optimal conditions for lychee cultivation. Combined with nutrient-rich soil, these factors support the growth of diverse lychee varieties, each offering unique flavors and textures.
Lychee cultivation in Guangdong dates back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), as recorded in historical materials.
This fruit is also intertwined with the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei of the Tang Dynasty. According to legend, to bring a smile to his beloved concubine, Emperor Xuanzong dispatched couriers to transport lychees from Guangdong to the capital, Chang'an, which is present-day Xi'an. Nowadays, lychees are increasingly regarded as a symbol of love.
Today, Guangdong's lychee industry has embraced advanced preservation techniques and logistics to extend the fruit's shelf life. Improved cold-chain systems and packaging have allowed certain lychee varieties to remain fresh for up to a month, facilitating exports to over 20 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Japan, Thailand, and France.
Guangdong's lychee industry continues to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring the fruit's cultural significance endures while meeting global demand. Derivative products such as lychee-flavored ice cream, jam, beverages, candy, wine, tea, and honey offer new ways to enjoy the fruit year-round.
By diversifying its product offerings and expanding international markets, the province is sharing its agricultural expertise and the natural bounty of its orchards with consumers worldwide.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Videographer | Qin Shaolong
Animator | Ou Xiaoming, Li Wu (intern)
Video Editor | Liang Zijian
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Ouyang Yan, Hu Nan, James, Shen He
