Lychees are returning to markets this summer. But behind the popular seasonal fruit lies decades of agricultural research and breeding innovation. The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is home to the world's largest lychee gene bank, housing nearly 800 varieties and a rare scientific breakthrough: the world's first lychee-longan hybrid. Huang Fei got an early taste.

China has cultivated lychees for more than 2,000 years and has exported them overseas since the 17th century.

This orchard serves as a living archive of the fruit's past, and a testing ground for its future.

Nearly 800 varieties are grown here. Some originate from different parts of China, while others have been reintroduced from regions as far away as Africa, South America, and Australia.

Source: CGTN
Editor: Lyu Yun