Recently, lychees have been appearing in large quantities on the market. An online video showing “lychees soaked in water” has drawn attention, with some people speculating they were “soaked in chemicals,” raising food safety concerns. In response, relevant companies and agricultural experts have clarified that what the video shows is not chemical treatment, but a standard physical pre-cooling process used to preserve lychees after harvest. Let’s go to Maoming, Guangdong, to directly observe the lychee picking, sorting, and processing procedures and take a closer look.

  • Recently, lychees have been appearing in large quantities on the market. An online video showing “lychees soaked in water” has drawn attention, with some people speculating they were “soaked in chemicals,” raising food safety concerns. In response, relevant companies and agricultural experts have clarified that what the video shows is not chemical treatment, but a standard physical pre-cooling process used to preserve lychees after harvest. Let’s go to Maoming, Guangdong, to directly observe the lychee picking, sorting, and processing procedures and take a closer look.

Maoming

Maoming, located in southwestern Guangdong Province, China, is a coastal city known for its rich history in petroleum refining, earning the nickname “Oil City.” Its development accelerated in the 1950s when large oil shale deposits were discovered, leading to the establishment of a major petrochemical industry. Today, Maoming also boasts cultural landmarks like the Gaozhou Ancient City and scenic spots such as the China First Beach on its coastline.

Guangdong

Guangdong is a coastal province in southern China known for its dynamic economy and rich cultural heritage, including the origins of Cantonese cuisine and language. Historically, it was a key hub along the Maritime Silk Road and a center for trade and migration, with cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen playing major roles in China’s modern economic development. The region also features landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Kaiping Diaolou towers, reflecting its blend of traditional and colonial influences.

Maoming

Maoming is a coastal city in western Guangdong Province, China, known for its rich petroleum industry and cultural heritage. Historically, it developed as a key port and agricultural hub, later becoming a major center for oil refining and petrochemicals since the 1950s. The city also features notable sites like the China First Beach and the Maoming Museum, reflecting its blend of industrial growth and natural beauty.

Guangdong

Guangdong is a coastal province in southern China known for its vibrant economy, rich culinary traditions, and cultural significance as the birthplace of Cantonese language and opera. Historically, it was a key hub along the Maritime Silk Road and played a major role in early Chinese trade with the West, particularly through the port city of Guangzhou. The region also witnessed significant events such as the Opium Wars and the rise of modern revolutionary movements, including the early activities of Sun Yat-sen.

Gaozhou Ancient City

Gaozhou Ancient City, located in Guangdong Province, China, is a well-preserved historical site that dates back over 1,400 years to the Sui and Tang dynasties. It served as a vital political, economic, and cultural center in the region.

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Maoming

Maoming is a coastal city in western Guangdong Province, China, with a history dating back over 2,200 years. Historically known as a major center for the production of pearls and seafood, it also played a role in maritime trade routes. Today, Maoming is recognized for its petrochemical industry and natural attractions like the China First Beach.

Guangdong

Guangdong is a coastal province in southern China known for its rich history as a key hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange, particularly during the Silk Road era. It is the birthplace of Cantonese culture, language, and cuisine, and played a pivotal role in modern Chinese history as a center for revolutionary movements, including Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s activities. Today, Guangdong is a major economic powerhouse, home to cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, blending ancient traditions with rapid urbanization.

Gaozhou Ancient City

Gaozhou Ancient City, located in Guangdong Province, China, is a well-preserved historical site with a history spanning over 1,400 years, dating back to the Sui and Tang dynasties. It served as a key political, economic, and cultural center in the Lingnan region, known for its ancient city walls, traditional architecture, and the legacy of notable figures like Madam Xian, a revered female leader. Today, it stands as a cultural heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient Chinese urban life and regional history.

China First Beach

China First Beach, also known as the Golden Pebble Beach, is a scenic coastal area located in Dalian, Liaoning Province. Its name originates from its status as one of China’s earliest and most famous bathing beaches, featuring unique golden pebbles and clear waters. Historically, the site has been a popular leisure destination since the early 20th century, and it now forms part of the larger Golden Pebble Beach National Geopark, known for its striking karst rock formations and geological significance.

Maritime Silk Road

The Maritime Silk Road was a historic network of sea routes connecting China to Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, East Africa, and Europe, flourishing from the 2nd century BCE onward. It facilitated the exchange of goods such as silk, porcelain, spices, and pearls, alongside cultural and technological transfers between civilizations. This maritime trade network played a crucial role in shaping global commerce and cultural interaction before declining in the late 19th century.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a major port city in southern China with a history spanning over 2,200 years. It was a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and has long been a center of trade and cultural exchange. Today, it is famous for its Cantonese cuisine, the Canton Tower, and the historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou, China, is a historic temple and academy built in 1894 during the late Qing Dynasty. It was constructed by the Chen family lineage to serve as a gathering place for clan members and a school for their descendants. Today, it is renowned for its exquisite Lingnan architecture, intricate wood and stone carvings, and functions as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.

Kaiping Diaolou

The Kaiping Diaolou are multi-story fortified towers found in Kaiping, Guangdong, China, built primarily between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed by wealthy overseas Chinese returning from abroad, these unique structures blend Chinese and Western architectural styles, reflecting a fusion of cultures. They served as defensive homes against bandits and floods, and in 2007, they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their historical and cultural significance.