"Huizhou lychees are very nice!" "Good taste!" five Greek crew members exclaimed as they arrived at Mabiandao Terminal, Huizhou Port. Taking advantage of China's visa-free transit policy during peak lychee season, they explored orchards, scenic spots, and tasted the iconic fruit straight from the trees on a cultural and culinary journey.
For the Greek visitors, it was their first encounter with both lychees and a plantation. At an orchard in Huidong County, they picked and tasted the fresh fruit themselves. Their summer journey continued in an ancient Lingnan village, where they strolled along cobblestone streets and soaked in the region's rich cultural heritage.
"First time eating lychee — it tastes like grapes," said Argy, a 40-year-old Greek second officer, during his initial visit to a lychee grove in China. A seasoned mariner, he described the experience as eye-opening.
Greek crew members speak highly of Huizhou lychees. (Photo: Wu Tianyu)
Greek crew members speak highly of Huizhou lychees. (Photo: Wu Tianyu)
"Huizhou is a beautiful city with mountains, sea, great food, and rich history,” he added, capturing the scenery on his phone to share with his family back home in Greece.
At an outdoor camp in Yonghe Village, Duozhu Town, the crew sampled lychee vinegar and tried unique pairings like lychee with local heritage soy sauce—all against the backdrop of Huizhou's scenic landscapes.
"Huizhou didn't just satisfy my taste buds — it made me fall in love with Chinese culture," said crew member Emmanoul. Deeply impressed by the visit, he added, "I can't wait to tell my family and friends to come experience Huizhou's unique charm for themselves."
Huizhou lychees are in peak season, with vibrant red fruits hanging in abundance on the branches. (Photo: Wu Tianyu)
Farmers are busy harvesting lychees. (Photo: Wu Tianyu)
This smooth "Huizhou experience" was made possible by the city's trial of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible foreign crew to disembark visa-free for short stays focused on tourism and shopping. To enhance their visit, Huizhou arranged a one-stop itinerary combining sightseeing, dining, and shopping for a hassle-free experience.
As a key port city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Huizhou Port served over 30,000 inbound and outbound crew members in 2024. Huizhou is actively developing its "maritime tourism economy," implementing measures like centralized clearance procedures, dedicated channels, and streamlined policy consultations. These efforts aim to attract more international crew members ashore for tourism and consumption, enhancing cross-border convenience and fostering international exchange and cooperation.
Reporter & Photo | Wu Tianyu
Video | Wu Tianyu
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
