Lychee Sanom Yim (Fei Zhi Xiao)

A Fruit Steeped in Sweetness, Romance, and Imperial Legend

Lychee Sanom Yim, known in Chinese as Fei Zhi Xiao (妃子笑), is one of the most famous lychee varieties in China. It stands out for its light greenish-red peel, juicy and fragrant flesh, small seed, and exceptional sweetnessqualities that distinguish it from other lychee types.

From the Imperial Court to a Smile

The story of this lychee begins in the Tang Dynasty (618907 AD), considered a golden age for Chinese culture and literature. During this period, Emperor Xuanzong deeply loved his consort Yang Guifeione of the Four Beauties of ancient China.

Yang Guifei was famously fond of lychees, but the best ones were grown in southern China, far from the capital, Chang'an (modern-day Xian). To please her, the emperor ordered fresh lychees to be delivered over thousands of kilometers by express horseback to preserve their freshness.

Legend has it that when Yang Guifei tasted the lychees, she smiled with delighta rare sight even for the emperor. From that moment, the fruit became known as Fei Zhi Xiao, or The Lychee That Made a Concubine Smile.

A Symbol of Love and Devotion

This lychee is more than just a sweet fruitit has become a cultural symbol of romance and affection. The story of Yang Guifeis smile is immortalized in Chinese poetry, especially in the famous poem Lychee (荔枝) by renowned Tang poet Bai Juyi.

From China to Chiang Mai

Although native to southern China, Lychee Sanom Yim has recently been cultivated in Thailand, particularly in the cooler, mountainous areas of Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai has become the primary region for growing this variety, thanks to its cool climate, rich soil, and ideal drainage.

The result? Thai-grown Lychee Sanom Yim that retains the unique flavor and fragrance of its legendary Chinese origins.

You can find Lychee Sanom Yim at all Rimping Supermarket branches.