As part of the "Guangdong Goods, Global Reach" initiative, a provincial lychee carnival event kicked off in Guangzhou on May 20, 2026.
Guangdong's lychee planting area and production account for half of China's total and one-third of the global total, respectively, with the fruit exported to over 40 countries and regions.
Freshly-picked lychees (Photo: Chen Jinxia)
The fruit has been a love token for centuries. As Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu wrote in one of his poems, Emperor Xuanzong ordered lychees to be rushed to the then capital Chang'an day and night, just so his beloved concubine Yang Yuhuan could enjoy the lychees' three-day freshness.
The event featured a newly released map detailing Guangdong's lychee production and sales for 2026, which clearly displays the planting areas, main varieties, harvest periods, and the number of courier pickup points in lychee-producing counties and cities across Guangdong.
Chen Yaohua, Chairman of Guangdong Zungly Agricultural Group Co., Ltd., explained what foreign customers are looking for. "Overseas consumers have three preferences," he said. "First, sweet and juicy. Second, large size. And third, red color."
"The United States and Canada are our leading markets. So far, our sales have increased by about 35% year-on-year. Our export output value this year is estimated to exceed last year's by 40%," added Chen.
"Cold chain technology is constantly improving," Chen said. "In the past, it took one to two days from orchard to factory. Now we estimate it takes only about three to four hours. From the moment the fruit is picked, through transport, processing, and even warehousing, cold chain management is required, and the standards are quite demanding."
"We use the latest modified atmosphere packaging bags combined with insulated boxes," said Zhong Xiuwei, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Maoming. "This technology achieves gas regulation. Carbon dioxide and other gases are slowly released. It prevents heat from building up inside, so high temperatures won't spoil the lychees. The fruit can maintain its original color and flavor for up to three days."
Lychees are packed in modified atmosphere packaging bags. (Photo: Chen Jinxia)
A lychee-themed market was also held at the event, showcasing a variety of freshly-picked lychees and lychee products.
"We use freshly squeezed lychee juice and add it to our cold brew coffee," said Xie Zili, who runs Paklee Coffee. "The combination brings floral and fruity notes, making the drink quite refreshing."
Lychee wine, lychee honey, and dried lychees (Photo: Chen Jinxia)
Lychee yogurt (Photo: Chen Jinxia)
Reporter & Photo | Chen Jinxia
Video | Qin Shaolong
