As Guangdong enters its peak longan harvest season, the 9th Longan Cultural Festival in Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan City, concluded on July 21 after five days of festivities.

The festival featured a bustling street market, artistic performances, cultural and creative products, and interactive games, giving visitors an immersive experience of the heritage surrounding the Jiuzhouji Shixia longan (九洲基石硖龙眼).

The traditional longan banquet was the highlight of the festival's second evening. Over 2,000 residents and guests gathered at more than 200 tables to enjoy a grand feast celebrating the fruit.

Local chefs crafted a specially designed 13-course menu combining sweet Jiuzhouji Shixia longans with fresh meat, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Using techniques such as braising, stewing, pan-frying, and stir-frying, they prepared dishes including longan tea, longan cakes, steamed chicken with longan, and eight-treasure rice pudding with longan.

By bringing together local agricultural produce, tourism, traditional gastronomy, and cultural festivities, the annual festival continues to enhance the appeal of local longan culture while boosting Zhongshan's summer tourism.