The pomelo is native to southeastern Asia and all of Malaysia; grows wild on river banks in the Fiji and Friendly Islands. It may have been introduced into China around 100 B.C. It is much cultivated in southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian Provinces) and especially in southern Thailand on the banks to the Tha Chine River; also in Taiwan and southernmost Japan, southern India, Malaya, Indonesia, New Guinea and Tahiti.

Pomelo planting has centuries-old history in China. The Guanxi Honey pomelo has been planted more than 500 years history in Pinghe County, Zhangzhou City of Fujian Province in China.

In Ming and Qing Dynasty, the pomelo was well-known. Especially in Qianlong era of Qing Dynasty, the pomelo had been known qua tribute of royal.

Tongzhi Emperor vouchsafed "Xipu xinji" print and green dragon flag to as brand and ban.

Pinghe County is main planting area of Guanxi Honey pomelo.