Baiqiao village in Maoming has become a model for agricultural integration with its innovative lychee ice cream. The ice cream, made from fresh lychees, high-quality raw milk, and sea salt, has become popular among both tourists and locals.

The lychee ice cream from Baiqiao village in Maoming. [Photo/Yangcheng Evening News]

Maoming is the world's largest contiguous lychee production base, with over 93,333 hectares of lychee plantations. It accounts for one-fourth of China's total lychee production. Baiqiao village alone has 453.33 hectares of lychee plantations, involving 1,080 farming households. In 2024, the village produced 12,000 metric tons of lychees worth 140 million yuan ($19.29 million), generating an average annual income of 53,000 yuan per capita.

The success of lychee ice cream exemplifies Maoming's strategy of using industrial methods to strengthen agriculture and promote rural vitalization. The production line for lychee ice cream provides local jobs and breaks the seasonal supply limitations of lychees, transforming them into a year-round, globally consumed product. This initiative is part of Maoming's broader efforts to integrate agriculture, culture, tourism, and commerce, creating a vibrant and sustainable rural economy.

Maoming's lychee ice cream has gradually expanded its market presence and is now sold in major cities across China, including Beijing, Harbin, Xi'an, Wuhan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.