Discover 10 unique treats you can\x26#39;t miss during your time in China 🍐
China's diverse geography and rich agricultural traditions make it a true paradise for fruit lovers. Fruit stalls across the country burst with vibrant colors, unique textures, and flavors that might be completely new to you.
Fruits in Chinese
水果
shuǐguǒ
fruit
The best places to buy fresh, juicy fruit are:
🛒 超市 (chāoshì) — supermarket
🍊 农贸市场 (nóngmào shìchǎng) — farmer's market
🍉 水果摊 (shuǐguǒtān) — street fruit vendors
🍑 水果店 (shuǐguǒdiàn) — fruits shop
10 Unique Fruits
to Try in China
01. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is one of the most recognizable exotic fruits in China, though it originally comes from South America.
Its vibrant pink skin and scaly exterior resemble dragon scales, which is how it got its name. Inside, you'll find white or red flesh speckled with tiny black seeds.
火龙果
huǒlóngguǒ
pitaya; dragon fruit
lit. "fire-dragon-fruit"
TASTE
mild and lightly sweet
like a kiwi but less tangy
02. Lychee
A beloved summer fruit native to southern China. Lychee has a rough red skin that peels away to reveal juicy, translucent flesh.
It's mostly eaten fresh but is also canned and commonly found in Chinese desserts.
荔枝
lìzhī
lychee
TASTE
sweet and juicy
with a subtle floral aroma
03. Longan Fruit
龙眼
lóngyǎn
longan fruit
lit. "dragon-eye"
TASTE
honey-sweet
with a light floral note
soft and juicy texture
04. Durian
Called "the King of Fruits", durian's strong aroma divides fans and critics alike.
Durian is so popular in China that you can find durian-flavored candies and even durian pizzas served in some Chinese restaurants.
榴莲
liúlián
durian
TASTE
creamy and rich
custard-like taste
❗️Because of its pungent smell durian is often banned from hotels and public transport. If you want to bring it home as a gift, be aware that it's usually not allowed.
05. Pomelo
柚子
yòuzi
pomelo; shaddock
TASTE
mildly sweet
lightly tangy and very juicy
06. Chinese Jujube
Also called red date, jujube can be eaten fresh or dried. The dried version is often used in congee, teas, or stews and is a popular ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
枣
zǎo
Chinese jujube; red date
TASTE
crisp and sweet
similar to apple
07. Wax Apple
This bell-shaped fruit is especially refreshing and chilled during the summer. It's mostly found in tropical parts of China, such as Hainan or southern provinces.
莲雾
liánwù
wax apple
TASTE
extremely juicy and light
mild, slightly sweet — like a cross between watermelon and apple
Bayberry, native to China and sometimes called the Chinese strawberry, can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or fermented into baijiu (a traditional Chinese liquor).
杨梅
yángméi
bayberry
TASTE
juicy and tangy
addictively sweet
09. Persimmon
Persimmons are a fall and winter delight in China. They can be enjoyed soft and jelly-like or dried into chewy snacks, especially common in northern China.
柿子
shìzi
persimmon
TASTE
honeyed, custard-like flavor
addictively sweet
10. Chinese White Pear
Also called "snow pear", this crisp fruit is often eaten fresh or used in cooling herbal remedies. In Chinese medicine, it's believed to soothe the lungs and help with coughs.
雪梨
xuělí
white pear
lit. "snow-pear"
TASTE
crisp and juicy
slightly sweet
🍐 TCM remedy: steam a snow pear with rock sugar for a soothing treat when you have a cough.
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