10 Unique Fruits to Try in China : Fruit Lover's Guide

Discover 10 unique treats you can\x26#39;t miss during your time in China 🍐

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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. 

Ready to explore? Let's dive into 10 delicious and unique fruits you should try during your time in China 🍈

Fruits in Chinese


              

Let's start with some handy vocabulary so you can shop like a local:


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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.


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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.



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荔枝

lìzhī

lychee


 TASTE 

  • sweet and juicy

  • with a subtle floral aroma


03. Longan Fruit


Translated as "dragon eye," longan is another favorite Chinese tropical fruit. It's popular in desserts, herbal teas, and soups.

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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.



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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


Also known as "oriental grapefruit", pomelo is a favorite during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The thick skin takes effort to peel, but the juicy citrus taste is worth it.

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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).



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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.


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莲雾

liánwù

wax apple


 TASTE 

  • extremely juicy and light

  • mild, slightly sweet — like a cross between watermelon and apple



08. Chinese Bayberry

Bayberry, native to China and sometimes called the Chinese strawberry, can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or fermented into baijiu (a traditional Chinese liquor).


They're available fresh in late spring and early summer. Street vendors often sell them in baskets — perfect for snacking on the go.


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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.



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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.



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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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