Luzhou Litchi

Luzhou Litchi

　　According to research, the cultivation history of litchi in Luzhou, Sichuan spans nearly 2,000 years. The *Helin Yulu* states: "During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, a rider stirred up a cloud of dust, bringing smiles to the imperial concubine — the litchis were from Luzhou and Rongzhou." This record shows that litchis from Luzhou were available even in the capital during the Tang Dynasty, and that those enjoyed by Emperor Xuanzong and Concubine Yang were from Luzhou.

　　Since ancient times, litchi has been regarded as a rare and precious fruit, grown in Lingnan and Shu regions. Among these, the litchis from Hejiang in southern Luzhou are considered the finest. Although Luzhou litchis bloom at the same time as those in Lingnan, they are superior in quality because they ripen two months later.

　　Luzhou’s late-ripening litchis are renowned both in ancient and modern times, famous at home and abroad, for their unique qualities: thin, bright red skin; large size with small pits; thick, juicy flesh; crystal-clear transparency; sweet and tangy taste with a refreshing aroma; tender texture that melts in the mouth. In addition to native varieties, Luzhou now also cultivates 12 excellent varieties introduced from Guangdong, including "Dahongpao," "Nuomici," "Nanmuye," and "Feizixiao."

　　Luzhou litchis are produced in Hejiang County. Their skin is bright red, thin yet tough; the flesh is tender, translucent white, soft and smooth, thick and juicy. With a bite, the luscious sweetness fills the mouth, accompanied by a rich, aromatic fragrance.

　　The Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu once picked litchis under the trees when traveling from Rongzhou to Luzhou: "I recall passing through Luzhou and picking litchis, where green maples cast shadows over winding rocks. I had seen their color in the capital before — but only I know how this red fruit tastes, sweet and sour." His timeless verse stamped these wild litchis with the mark of royal fruit, granting them an aristocratic status. In fact, Hejiang in Luzhou still has ancient litchi trees that are hundreds to over a thousand years old. As early as the Han Dynasty, litchis were already tribute offerings to the imperial court. By the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong ordered them rushed to Chang’an on horseback just to make his concubine smile. Hence came the timeless line: "A rider stirs up a cloud of dust, bringing smiles to the imperial concubine — yet no one knows it’s the litchis that have arrived." Today, each box of Hejiang’s “Feizixiao” litchis sells for 980 yuan. Meanwhile, the only litchi brand selected for the Beijing Olympics — “Daivilu” (20 pieces, about 400 grams per box) — has reached the “sky-high” price of 2,980 yuan.