In the lush landscapes of Yongxing Town in Haikou, Hainan Province, a sweet revolution is underway. Known as the main hub for Haikou’s volcanic lychees, this region boasts a millennium-long history of lychee cultivation. But these aren’t your average lychees. Grown in the nutrient-rich volcanic soils, the “Volcanic Lychee King” is a variety famed for its colossal size—over twice that of regular lychees—thick, juicy flesh, and a flavor that’s capturing hearts worldwide.
As the harvest season reaches its peak, local farmers are busier than ever. A state-of-the-art distribution center in Yongxing Town is bustling with activity, where workers meticulously sort, preserve, and package the freshly picked fruit using advanced cold-chain technology. This ensures that the lychees maintain their peak freshness as they journey to consumers across the country.
“Our volcanic lychees are more than just fruit; they’re a symbol of our heritage and a catalyst for rural development,” says Li Wei, a local farmer. “The unique conditions here give our lychees their extraordinary qualities.”
Yongxing Town isn’t stopping at domestic markets. By forging strong connections with key cities in the Yangtze River Delta like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Yiwu, and establishing long-term partnerships with major distributors, they’ve amplified their reach. Remarkably, Haikou’s volcanic lychees are now making their way to international markets, including Canada, Singapore, Japan, the UAE, the Netherlands, Argentina, and Morocco.
This sweet success story is a shining example of how local specialties can drive rural revitalization. By combining traditional agriculture with modern logistics and global marketing, Yongxing Town is not only boosting its economy but also sharing a piece of its rich cultural heritage with the world.
