# Lychees of Chang'an

The Lychee(s) of Chang'an, or The Lychee(s) in Chang'an (Chinese: 长安的荔枝) is a historical novel written by Chinese author Ma Boyong and first published in the "Spring 2021" edition of the literary journal Harvest, in the long-form novel section. The full text consists of 70,000 words and was completed in 11 days. The novel has been adapted into both a film and a television series, both of the same name.

## Plot summary

Set during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, the story follows Li Shande, a minor official in Shanglin Park, in Chang'an. He is tasked with delivering fresh lychees from Lingnan to Chang'an in time for Yang Guifei's birthday. Faced with the challenge of the fruit's perishability and the difficulties of transportation, Li decides to take a gamble for the sake of his family. During the mission, he experiences both hardships and joy, while uncovering the crises of governance hidden beneath the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty's golden age.

### Characters

Li Shande
A minor official of Shanglin Park, he unexpectedly receives the task of delivering fresh lychees. For the sake of his family, he resolutely decides to take on the mission.
Liu Shuling
The magistrate of Shanglin Park, he is Li Shande's superior.
Han Cheng
Also known as Han Shishi, he serves as a principal lfficer in the Bibu Division of the Ministry of Justice. He is Li Shande's good friend.
Du Fu
A poet and Li Shande's good friend.
He Luguang
The military commissioner of Lingnan who, fearing the emperor's distrust, schemes to frame Li Shande.
Zhao Xinning
He Liguang's subordinate
Su Liang
A Persian businessman who helps Li Shande transport the lychees.
Tong
A girl who grows lychees.
Lin Yinu
Originally He Liguang's servant, he is later moved by Li Shande's kindness and helps him avoid He Liguang's pursuit.
Yu Chaoen
A eunuch who initially intends to steal Li Shande's research to gain fame and fortune for himself, he has to abandon the plan after Yang Guozhong intervenes.
Yang Guozhong
Also known as Weiguo Gong and the Grand Chancellor, he opens a channel to facilitate the delivery of lychees for Li Shande.
Gao Lishi
A eunuch formerly known as Feng Yuanyi, he recommends Lingnan lychees to the emperor and exempts Li Shande from crime.
Mrs. Li
Li Shande's wife.

## Reception

The book received widespread acclaim upon its publication, with over 100,000 ratings on Douban and a score of 8.5. It was ranked third in the "Douban 2022 Annual Chinese Literature (Fiction)" list and was praised for its portrayal of "great history through the lens of small characters".

## Editions

The simplified Chinese version is produced by Boji Tianjuan and published by Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House.
Simplified Chinese version: ISBN 9787572608582Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House.

## Reference material

* ↑ "Discover the Culinary Journey of Ma Boyong's New Novel 'Food South Traveler' in Shantou_power". sohu.com. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
* ↑ Chen, Ying (2024-02-01). "On the Narrative Art of The Lychee in Chang'an". International Journal of Education and Humanities. 12 (2): 93–95. doi:10.54097/myd8pk19. ISSN 2770-6702.
* ↑ "Dialogue | Ma Boyong's new work debuted《Harvest》：但问荔枝"如何来"？--Interview--China Writers Network". chinawriter.com.cn. Archived from the original on 2021-05-17. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
* ↑ The Lychees of Chang'an. 博集天卷·马伯庸作品 Isbn: 9787572608582. October 2022. ISBN 978-7-5726-0858-2. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
* ↑ "Ma Boyong《The Lychees of Chang'an》："Novels are countless fascinating details"". China Young Writers' Daily. Archived from the original on 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
* ↑ Ma, Boyong. The Lychees of Chang'an. Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House. ISBN 9787572608582.
* 1 2 The Lychees of Chang'an. 博集天卷·马伯庸作品 Isbn: 9787572608582. October 2022. ISBN 978-7-5726-0858-2. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
* ↑ Ma, Boyong. The lychees of Chang'an. Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House. ISBN 9787572608582.
* ↑ "Douban 2022 Chinese Literature"（Novels）". Douban. Archived from the original on 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
* ↑ Shi Xiaoqi. "荔枝看见了唐朝盛世下的蚁穴(Lychee saw the anthill in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.)". Douban Reading. Archived from the original on 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
* ↑ "Towards the softness of modern people's hearts". China Youth Network. Archived from the original on 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
* ↑ "Writer Ma Boyong shared that he wrote 《The Lychees in Chang'an》in 11 days". Dazhong.com. Archived from the original on 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
* ↑ "Exclusive Interview with Ma Boyong: It Is Both History and Reality". xinminweekly. Retrieved 2023-08-23.
* ↑ "Ma Boyong Guest at "Beijing Film Academy Lecture Hall" Talks About His Writing Journey". CCVT.com. 2024-04-29.