Mangoes, celebrated for their sweet and juicy pulp, are a favored tropical fruit enjoyed across the globe. China has emerged as a significant player in the mango industry, both as a producer and a consumer of this popular fruit. The country’s diverse climates allow for the cultivation of various mango types, contributing to a steady supply throughout the year. This fruit holds a notable place in Chinese agriculture and daily life.
The Mango’s Historical Journey in China
The introduction of mangoes to China is believed to have occurred over 1,300 years ago, with some accounts suggesting their arrival from India as early as 645 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty. While mangoes had a long presence, large-scale commercial cultivation did not begin until the 1960s, gaining further momentum in the 1980s. Before this period, mangoes were not widely integrated into the cultural fabric of China.
Early cultivation was localized, with regions adapting the fruit to their specific environmental conditions. Agricultural advancements supported its gradual expansion, leading to widespread recognition and consumption.
Major Cultivation Areas and Distinct Varieties
Mango cultivation in China is concentrated in several southern provinces and regions, including Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Sichuan. Hainan Province is a large producer, with Guangxi, particularly the city of Baise, also recognized as a major production base. These regions benefit from subtropical and tropical climates, characterized by warm temperatures and sufficient rainfall, which are conducive to mango growth.
The varying climates across these provinces enable China to produce mangoes annually by managing different harvest seasons. For instance, Hainan, Taiwan, and Guangdong often experience the earliest harvests, while Sichuan, Fujian, and Guizhou have later harvest zones. This staggered maturation allows for a continuous supply of fresh mangoes to the market.
China cultivates over 40 different mango varieties, with more than 20 being commercially significant. Popular varieties include:
- Guifei, known for its appealing color and flavor.
- Tainong No. 1, a hybrid originating from Taiwan.
- Jinhuang, Sannian, and Nang Klangwan.
- Keitt, particularly popular due to its large size and consistent supply.
Mangoes in Chinese Culture and Economy
Mangoes have gained considerable economic importance in China, becoming a significant source of income for farmers in the main growing regions. While China is a large mango-producing country, it is also a major consumer, with much of its annual production, which reached 3.48 million metric tons in 2020, remaining within the country. China was the second largest mango cultivation country globally in 2020.
Despite its large domestic production, China imports mangoes to meet consumer demand, primarily from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, and Australia. In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam supplied a large portion of China’s mango imports, accounting for approximately 97% of the market share. China also exports a smaller volume of mangoes, and there is increasing interest in expanding export markets, including potential imports of Bangladeshi mangoes.
Beyond their economic value, mangoes also hold a unique, albeit brief, place in modern Chinese cultural history. In 1968, during the Cultural Revolution, mangoes briefly became a symbol of Chairman Mao Zedong’s leadership and affection. After receiving a box of mangoes as a diplomatic gift, Mao distributed them to workers, who, unfamiliar with the fruit, began to venerate them, creating wax replicas and displaying them as symbols of loyalty. This “mango cult” faded after about a year, and today, mangoes are generally regarded as an ordinary consumer good.