Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant drop in lychee prices this summer, attributed to a surge in production and the simultaneous harvest of various lychee varieties, leading to a situation where some growers prefer to let their fruit rot on the trees rather than incur harvesting costs [3][13][19]. Price Trends - Lychee prices have plummeted to as low as 1.98 yuan per kilogram, with reports of prices dropping from 6 yuan to 2.98 yuan within days [5][6]. - In Guangdong, which accounts for over 50% of national lychee production, prices have seen a dramatic decrease, with some varieties like 桂味 (Guiwei) dropping from 25-26 yuan to 3-4 yuan per kilogram [14][20]. Production Factors - The national lychee production is expected to reach 3.65 million tons this year, a 111.26% increase compared to 2024, due to favorable weather conditions [13][14]. - The simultaneous ripening of lychee varieties across different regions has exacerbated the oversupply situation, leading to lower prices [13][14]. Consumer Behavior - The low prices have led to increased consumer interest and engagement, with discussions on social media about the best varieties and how to consume or store lychees [9][10]. - Consumers are exploring various culinary uses for lychees, such as in dishes like lychee ribs and lychee sweet and sour pork [10]. Industry Challenges - The lychee industry faces challenges related to logistics and preservation, as the fruit is highly perishable and requires careful handling to maintain quality [15][20]. - Growers often struggle to sell their produce at profitable prices due to limited market access and high logistics costs, which can sometimes exceed the price of the fruit itself [20][21]. Market Response - New tea beverage brands have capitalized on the low prices by launching lychee-flavored products, which have seen strong sales [11][12]. - Efforts are being made within the industry to optimize supply chains and improve the marketing of lychee products to enhance visibility and sales [21].

Core Insights - The lychee season is nearing its end, with prices continuing to decline while consumption scenarios are expanding, particularly with the rise of lychee-based beverages this summer [1][9][11] Market Overview - The current market price for lychees ranges from 15 to 35 yuan per kilogram, primarily sourced from Guangxi [7] - This year has seen a bumper harvest, leading to an extended sales period of nearly 40 days compared to the usual 20 days [7][9] - Local lychee varieties in Yunnan are mostly sold out, with only a few remaining, while late-maturing varieties still have stock available for about another week [5][9] Price Trends - The price of lychees has shown a "high open, low walk" trend, starting high but dropping significantly as supply increased, maintaining a relatively low price point [9][11] - Consumers have benefited from lower prices, with some varieties like "glutinous rice" being sold for 10 to 20 yuan per kilogram, compared to previous years where prices were significantly higher [5][9] Consumer Behavior - The popularity of lychee beverages has surged, driven by the recent drama "The Lychee of Chang'an," leading to new product launches from various beverage brands [9][11] - Sales of lychee-based drinks have been strong, with some stores reporting monthly sales exceeding 1,000 cups for new lychee products [9][11] Industry Outlook - The trend of lychee beverages not only extends the lychee supply chain but also creates additional value for farmers and merchants [11] - The combination of consumer demand for innovative seasonal fruit products and lower raw material costs is expected to drive further growth in the lychee market next year [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance and preservation methods of lychee in ancient China, particularly during the Tang Dynasty, as depicted in the drama "Chang'an's Lychee" [1][4][14]. Group 1: Historical Context - Lychee, known as "离支" in ancient times, is difficult to preserve due to its short shelf life, as noted by Bai Juyi in "Lychee Picture Preface" [4][16]. - Historical figures like Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang attempted to cultivate lychee in royal gardens but faced challenges due to unsuitable soil and climate [14][16]. Group 2: Preservation Techniques - The character Li Shande in "Chang'an's Lychee" uses innovative methods to preserve lychee during transport, such as selecting semi-ripe fruit and using a dual-vessel system with water for cooling [6][11][13]. - Ancient methods included sealing lychee in bamboo tubes and using mud or wax to maintain freshness, but these were only partially effective [14][16]. Group 3: Regional Production - The article suggests that the lychee enjoyed by Yang Guifei likely came from Sichuan rather than Guangdong, due to the shorter transport distance and favorable climate conditions in the Tang Dynasty [20][21]. - Sichuan's lychee production has decreased over time, now accounting for less than 5% of national planting area, but it still produces late-maturing varieties that fill market gaps [24][26]. Group 4: Modern Context - Advances in logistics and preservation technology have significantly reduced the costs and losses associated with lychee transport, making it more accessible to the general public [19]. - Various regions in China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, contribute unique lychee varieties, enhancing the overall market diversity [30][32].

Core Insights - The price of lychee in Jinan has significantly decreased, with retail prices dropping to 5-6 yuan per jin, allowing consumers to enjoy "lychee freedom" [1] - The wholesale price of lychee has halved compared to the initial price of over 20 yuan per jin, resulting in increased sales and consumer demand [2] - The increase in lychee production and improvements in logistics are the primary reasons for the price drop, with national production expected to reach 3.6504 million tons by 2025, a year-on-year increase of 111.26% [5] Price Trends - In the Lixia District, promotional prices for "Meizixiao" lychee are as low as 6.9 yuan per jin, a 70% decrease from earlier prices [2] - The average price of lychee in local markets ranges from 5 to 8 yuan per jin, with some high-end varieties still priced between 15 to 30 yuan per jin [4] Sales Performance - Lychee sales have been robust this year, with vendors reporting sales of over a thousand jin per day, particularly for the "Baitang" variety [4] - Consumers are purchasing larger quantities of lychee compared to previous years, with some buying four to five jins at a time due to lower prices [4] Supply Chain Factors - The increase in lychee supply is attributed to both domestic production and imports from Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand, enhancing market availability [7] - The development of cold chain logistics has extended the shelf life of lychee, allowing for quicker transportation from production areas to markets [5][7]

Core Insights - The price of lychee in Nanjing has decreased significantly, with varieties like "桂花香" dropping from 128 yuan per kilogram to 98 yuan, a reduction of 30 yuan within a week [1][2][3] - The main lychee varieties available in the market include "白糖罂", "妃子笑", and "桂花香", with each having distinct characteristics in terms of taste and texture [1][2] - The current market conditions indicate a potential oversupply of lychee due to a bumper harvest expected in Guangdong, which may lead to further price reductions [3] Pricing Trends - The retail price of "桂花香" lychee has decreased from 128 yuan to 98 yuan per kilogram, while "妃子笑" is currently priced at 118 yuan per kilogram [2] - The wholesale price of lychee has also seen a significant drop, with prices reported at 5.84 yuan per pound, and some areas experiencing a price cut by half [3] Market Dynamics - The lychee supply in Nanjing primarily comes from regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian, and Yunnan, with Guangdong's ancient lychee trees being a notable source [3] - The demand for lychee is particularly high among younger consumers, who favor the sweeter varieties like "白糖罂" for their taste and texture [2]

Group 1 - The price of lychee has decreased significantly, with the wholesale price of "Feizi Xiao" dropping from 120 yuan per kilogram to 70 yuan, a reduction of approximately 40% [1] - The daily sales volume in the wholesale market has increased from over 100 boxes to more than 300 boxes [1] - A large harvest of lychee from Guangdong is expected, with wholesale prices potentially dropping to around 15 yuan per kilogram by late May to early June, allowing consumers to enjoy "lychee freedom" [1] Group 2 - The estimated lychee production in Guangzhou Conghua for 2025 is expected to reach 70,000 tons, showing significant growth compared to last year [1] - The estimated lychee production in Guangzhou Zengcheng for 2025 is projected to be 49,000 tons, indicating a potential bumper harvest [1] - The "Bai Tang Ning" variety is also selling well, with reports of rapid sales in the Ningbo fruit wholesale market [1] Group 3 - The transportation costs for Hainan lychee are expected to decrease as it shifts to land transport, leading to a downward price trend starting next week [1] - The market is experiencing dynamic pricing, with prices changing daily due to the large volume of lychee maturing [1]