Fruit
Fei Zi Xiao
A tier
Fei Zi Xiao (“concubine’s smile” / imperial concubine laugh) is a celebrated early Chinese lychee tied to Tang-era legend and modern Guangdong prestige—bright fruit, intense fragrance, and sweet juicy arils that launch the gourmet season. Seed size is moderate; perfume is the selling point. Early harvest makes it a cultural and price event each year. Eat at peak unadorned; the legend is about pure fruit pleasure. Short season and high demand mean quality varies—buy from reputable sources when shells are fresh red, not dried brown.
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History
Tang legend linked premium lychees, later associated with Fei Zi Xiao, to imperial tribute.
Fei Zi Xiao was cultivated as a named early prestige cultivar in the south.
Modern marketing revived Fei Zi Xiao as a seasonal luxury brand fruit.
Fei Zi Xiao opening harvests drew national media and premium pricing annually.