The Lychee Road (2025)

The Lychee Road is a 2025 Chinese drama comedy film directed by Da Peng from a screenplay by Xiao Dai, Marberinius, and Da Peng. The film is set to be released in China on July 18, 2025.

The main character, Li Shande (Da Peng), is a petty official tasked with an almost impossible task: to deliver fresh lychees from Lingnan to Chang'an (over 5,000 li, about 2,500 km) as a birthday present for the Imperial Concubine. Success means glory and life-changing, but failure means severe punishment.

The main role is played by Da Peng, who balances between slightly comically annoying grumbling and indefatigable state devotion. Next to him is Yue Yunpeng as a cousin and companion, who brings a pinch of humor and human warmth to the otherwise austere journey. Among the supporting characters stand out merchants, spies, bringing their share of the dynamics and realism of the Tang Empire.

With production and vision compared to "„The Longest Day in Chang'an“, „Lychee Road“" impresses with its large-scale historical set and carefully recreated costumes. The scenes of the long journey through southern and northern China are filmed with a distinct epicness and attention to atmosphere.

„The Lychee Road“" is a large-scale historical film adventure that weaves diplomatic intrigue and a test of human will. If you like Chinese epics with a strong emotional and cultural charge, this film/series will offer you a beautiful and thoughtful journey through the Tang era.