8 Unique Exotic Fruits in China You Must Try

Jun 10, 2025

8 Unusual Fruits to Try in China | Exotic Chinese Fruits Guide

We all know that there is a lot of difference between Western cooking and Chinese cooking styles including food, drinks and especially fruits. Due to different climates and geographical locations Chinese fruits are quite different from what many consider normal fruits. These unusual fruits in China are a must-try. Whether you are visiting China or living in China, exploring these exotic Chinese fruits will give you a unique taste of Chinese cuisine and culture.

1. Rambutan 红毛丹 (Hóngmáodān)

Rambutan fruit in China with hairy red skin and juicy flesh, featured among 8 unusual Chinese fruits to try

Once the rambutan’s hairy exterior is peeled away, you’ll find its deliciously sweet and sticky flesh inside with a large woody seed in the middle. The rambutan fruit is closely related to lychee and longan, both popular tropical fruits in China with its hairy red skin peeled off it reveals a strikingly similar lychee-like interior. The flesh tastes grape-like and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked Interestingly the seed is also edible after cooking. Making rambutan a unique and tasty exotic fruit in China to try.

2. Durian 榴莲 (Liúlián)

Durian fruit known for its strong smell and creamy texture, featured as one of 8 unusual Chinese fruits to experience

The durian is one of the most unusual fruits in the world famous for its strong smell and unique appearance. Known as the King of Fruits in Southeast Asia the durian is either loved or hated making it the Marmite of fruits. Its pungent smelly odour is so intense that it has been banned from places like Singapore’s subway and metro. Despite this, many Chinese people enjoy its creamy rich flesh and unique texture.

Durian is so popular in China you can find durian-flavored candies and even durian pizzas served in some Chinese restaurants. However according to traditional Chinese medicine eating too much durian might cause internal heat or discomfort. The thorn-covered husk and strong pungent odour are the signature features of this fascinating exotic fruit in China.

3. Bayberry 杨梅 (Yángméi)

Bayberry fruit in China with deep red color and sweet-tart flavor, featured as one of 8 unusual Chinese fruits

The bayberry is a fruit native to China often called the Chinese strawberry. Its scientific name is Myrica rubra the fruit has a spiky red exterior and is fully edible with a pit in the center. The bayberry fruit can be enjoyed fresh dried fermented to make baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor. Many people love using bayberry in various forms making it a popular exotic fruit in China.

4. Buddha’s Hand 佛手 (Fóshǒu)

Buddha’s Hand fruit, a fragrant yellow citrus with finger-like segments, featured as one of 8 unusual Chinese fruits

The Buddha’s hand fruit is one of the most unusual fruits in China. It resembles a lemon with finger-like tentacles and while it can be eaten. It is especially valued for its strong citrus fragrance. In China and Japan it’s commonly used as a natural perfume, room freshener due to its intense aroma.

In Chinese culture the Buddha’s Hand symbolizes happiness, longevity and good fortune. The plant is sensitive to frost heat and drought thriving best in temperate climates. Besides being a fruit it’s also widely used as an ornamental plant in China.

5. Lychee 荔枝 (Lìzhī)

Lychee fruit with rough red skin and sweet white flesh, popular and unique among 8 unusual Chinese fruits

Among all the unusual fruits in China lychee is probably the most familiar to people outside of Asia. Native to China Taiwan and Southeast Asia lychee is part of the soapberry family. This tropical fruit has a spiky red exterior and is slightly larger than a cherry. Inside the inedible skin is a translucent white flesh that is sweet, juicy and packed with Vitamin C.

The lychee fruit is mostly eaten fresh but can also be canned and is commonly found in Chinese desserts making it a popular and healthy choice for those exploring Chinese fruits.

6. Dragon Fruit 火龙果(Huǒlóngguǒ)

Dragon fruit with vibrant pink skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds, featured as one of 8 unusual Chinese fruits

The dragon fruit is one of the most recognized exotic fruits in China, even 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 flesh with black seeds or in some varieties red flesh with black seeds. Although its appearance is striking the flavor is mild and slightly sweet. Many people in China believe that Dragon Fruit can help anyone suffering from a bout of indigestion making it a popular choice for a healthy Chinese fruit snack.

7. Mangosteen 山竹 (Shānzhú)

The mangosteen is a popular tropical fruit in China, originally from Indonesia but now widely loved across Chinese cities. Its hard purple exterior hides soft white flesh that is both sweet and tangy. Once peeled, the fruit releases a fragrant aroma making it a favorite at Chinese fruit stalls and local markets. The mangosteen fruit has become a common sight among exotic Chinese fruits and is enjoyed for both its unique taste and pleasant smell.

8. Longan 龙眼 (Lóngyǎn)

The longan fruit is another beloved Chinese tropical fruit with a name that translates to “dragon eye” due to its translucent flesh and dark seed resembling a dragon’s eye. Related to the lychee and part of the soapberry family, the longan is sweeter and less juicy than lychee. It can be enjoyed fresh, but is more commonly found dried as a popular Chinese snack used in traditional Chinese desserts and savory dishes. Dried longans are especially common in Chinese herbal soups and sweet recipes.

So next time you’re exploring a fruit stall in China or visiting a local market, even browsing through a Chinatown fruit stand abroad, keep an eye out for these unusual Chinese fruits and don’t miss the chance to try exotic fruits in China for a unique and flavorful experience.

FAQ: Unusual Fruits in China

01. What exotic fruits are popular in China?

Popular exotic fruits in China include dragon fruit, mangosteen, longan, lychee, bayberry, durian, buddha’s hand and rambutan. These tropical fruits are widely sold at Chinese fruit markets and loved for their unique flavors and health benefits.

02. Where can I buy unusual Chinese fruits?

You can buy unusual Chinese fruits at local fruit stalls, wet markets and supermarkets in China. In many countries, you can also find them in Asian grocery stores or Chinatown markets.

03. Are exotic fruits in China safe to eat?

Yes, most exotic fruits in China are completely safe to eat when washed and peeled properly. Some like durian and buddha’s hand have a strong smell or unusual look but are enjoyed regularly in Chinese cuisine.

04. Which Chinese fruits are best for tourists to try?

For first-timer’s fruits like lychee, dragon fruit, longan and mangosteen are great choices. They are sweet, easy to eat and available in most regions of China.

05. What is the smelliest fruit in China?

The durian is known as the smelliest fruit and is often described as having a strong odor. It’s either loved or hated but remains a popular treat in many Chinese desserts and snacks.

06. Which Chinese fruit looks like a dragon’s eye?

The longan fruit is called “dragon eye” because its translucent flesh and dark seed resemble the eye of a dragon. It’s similar to lychee but sweeter and often used in Chinese soups and desserts.

07. Can I bring Chinese fruits back to my country?

Most countries have restrictions on importing fresh fruits. Always check your country’s customs guidelines before attempting to bring back Chinese tropical fruits like lychee or dragon fruit.

📘 Ready to start your Mandarin journey?
👉 Discover the smarter way to learn Chinese online with That’s Mandarin and find out why thousands of learners worldwide choose That’s Mandarin & NihaoCafe.

← 七夕节 The Story Behind Qixi Festival | Learn Chinese Culture