With the temperatures rising in May, lychees are beginning to hit local markets.

Planting area of the tasty tropical fruit in Guangdong accounts for more than half of the total in China, and one-third in the world. And this year the province is witnessing a bumper crop of lychees.

Maoming city has the largest volume of lychees in Guangdong, with production expected to exceed 600,000 tons this year. The volume of fruits ripening in Zhanjiang, Guangzhou and Shanwei each is likely to exceed 100,000 tons. Other cities, including Huizhou, Yangjiang, Dongguan and Jieyang, are predicted to harvest more than 10,000 tons of lychees this year.

Many types of lychees are grown in the province. Guiwei lychee (桂味) is known for the fragrance of its osmanthus flower and its sweet and sour flavor. Nomici lychee (糯米糍) is characterized by its thick, juicy and rich meat.  Other popular types include Feizixiao (妃子笑), Baitangying (白糖罂) and Heiye (黑叶).

Here is a map of production places of various types of lychees in Guangdong.

Early May

Feizixiao lychees and Baitangying lychees in Lianjiang (湛江市廉江), Gaozhou (茂名市高州) and Dianbai (茂名市电白) appear on the market.

Late May

Feizixiao and Baitangying lychees in Yangxi (阳江市阳西); Guiwei lychees in Gaozhou; Feizixiao and Heiye lychees in Dianbai come to markets.

June

Feizixiao lychees in Guangzhou and Dongguan cities will be available in markets.

Late June

Nuomici and Huaizhi (怀枝) lychees in Guangdong province will dominate the market.

Early July

Huaizhi lychee in Huidong (惠州市惠东) comes into season.