Lychees reflect the resilience of Chinese market

Lychees, small, red, fragrant, juicy and fiercely seasonal, have become an unlikely economic protagonist. From trending make-up tutorials inspired by the fruit's ruby-red hue to surging sales in far-flung areas such as the Xinjiang Uygur and Xizang autonomous regions, lychees are more than satisfying cravings; they are opening a window to China's evolving consumption patterns and the quiet transformation of its domestic market.

Behind the sweetness lies something far more significant: a glimpse into how China's unified national market is reshaping logistics, boosting local economies, and turning perishable produce into a symbol of modern economic connectivity.

Lychees aren't new to the Chinese palate. But this year, they're experiencing a cultural and commercial renaissance. It helps that this is a bumper harvest year, when the fruit trees cover 7.52 million mu (501 thousand hectares) and the yield is expected to reach 3.45 million tons — double that of last year. But the story goes beyond supply.