Trees are an ever essential part of our lives. They are essential to the air that we breathe. They captivate us with their natural beauty and aroma.

“Ancient trees are precious. There is little else on Earth that plays host to such a rich community of life within a single living organism.”

— Sir David Attenborough

In Southern China, the lychee (litchi) is one of the main members of the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. The tropical tree can be predominantly found in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, where it illuminates in the warm and high humidity climate. In some parts of China, there are lychee trees that are over 1000 years old. In Chinese culture, the lychee represents royalty and love.

It can be said that there’s a similar connection shared between a professor and their students with a tree and its harvest. A professor nurtures and grooms their students for many years, preparing them for the workplace and making valuable contributions to society. Likewise, similar comparisons can be drawn between a tree and its harvest. Whether it’s cocoa beans, lychees, or apples, it takes time and care for a tree to produce such gifts to society for people all around the world to relish. At SUSTech, there is a proud feeling that we have such professors and long-rooted trees that make invaluable contributions to society.

At SUSTech, its lychee trees are in full blossom and reaping the rewards of the glorious weather. In late May, the spikey golf ball-sized tropical fruit will be visible on the trees and ready for onlookers to sample. During the summer, SUSTech welcomes prospective students from all the different provinces around China. When they visit the campus, the University will provide homegrown lychees to guests as a welcoming gift that’s unique to Guangdong province. These lychees come from trees that have been present on campus for a very long time and nurtured with the utmost care and consideration.