In China, the arrival of summer is celebrated with a natural spectacle of colors and fragrance. As the days grow longer and warmer, lotus flowers burst into bloom, painting a stunning picture against the verdant landscape. Amid the summer’s scorching heat, the radiant pink blossoms and green lotus leaves bring refreshing coolness and an irresistible allure that draws both locals and tourists alike.
Deeply ingrained in the Chinese culture, the lotus flower symbolizes purity, virtue, and moral integrity. Despite its birth in mud, the flower remains pristine and untainted, a trait that has inspired countless works of literature by ancient Chinese poets. Now, the flower’s bloom announces the arrival of a season of beauty and reflection.
In Beijing, the Old Summer Palace, known as Yuanmingyuan Park, transforms into a popular lotus-viewing spot. With more than 200 varieties of lotus plants, the park hosts an annual lotus festival and provides visitors with specially designed water viewing routes. For a more intimate encounter with the blossoms, boat rides are also available. The park’s highlight is the resurgence of century-old lotus seeds discovered in a pond during an archaeological dig in 2017. Under careful nurturing, these seeds bloomed in 2019, attracting numerous visitors eager to witness this natural miracle.
Beyond the capital city, the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, offers another cultural hotspot for lotus appreciation. This serene location, immortalized in the Chinese poem “Appreciating Lotus Flowers at West Lake,” promises an exquisite sight, where sunlight reflected off the lake amplifies the flowers’ brilliance.
The perfect time to enjoy the beauty of lotus flowers extends from July to August. To enjoy the morning dew on the blossoms and to avoid the midday summer heat, it is suggested to visit between 6 am and 8 am. On rainy days, the spectacle is just as compelling, with the rhythm of the drizzle and the brightening of the flowers and leaves after the rainfall.
The cultural significance of lotus in Chinese tradition is profound. Its omnipresence in art and literature is evident. From symbolizing honesty and purity to representing the straightforwardness of an individual, the lotus plays various roles. In romantic folklore, a lotus represents a girl, while a fish symbolizes a boy. Moreover, its seedpods are seen as fertility symbols, offering blessings for procreation.
This summer, as lotus flowers bloom across China, let’s appreciate their timeless beauty, reflect on their profound cultural significance, and immerse ourselves in the calm and serenity they bring to our lives.
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