Green leaves made a striking contrast to the beautiful shades of pink from dozens of flowering lotus plants at the Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan Park in Beijing, during the annual lotus festival which opened recently.
The more than 200 species of lotus plants at the park have been blossoming since mid-June, adorning the more than 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares) pond with varying shades of pink and white. Known for its beautiful specimens, the Yuanmingyuan Lotus Festival has become one of the largest lotus festivals in China since its first staging in 1993. The festival runs until August 20.
Yuanmingyuan Park has created a special water viewing route in Changchun Garden, which is a highly recommended route for appreciating the lotus flowers up close.
Hanqiu Palace is also holding an exquisite lotus exhibition which highlights the historical culture of Yuanmingyuan. Rare varieties of lotus, such as the bowl lotus, the water lily and other aquatic plants are a part of this magnificent showcase.
Another highlight of this year's festival is the blooming of a 100-year-old lotus seed.
On July 7, ancient lotus seeds unearthed at the ruins of the Old Summer Palace were found in full bloom for the first time after remaining dormant for over a century.
The seeds were discovered in a pond during an archaeological excavation at Yuanmingyuan in 2017. A total of 11 lotus seeds were discovered, all of which were taken to the Institute of Botany at the Chinese Academy of Sciences for breeding on May 31, 2018.
Researchers decided to transplant four of the plants to a more natural growing environment in April. Staff at Yuanmingyuan designated four pools for the cultivation of the lotuses and took great care of them.
The blooming ancient lotus has attracted many visitors and shutterbugs eager to appreciate the beauty from the past and celebrate its miraculous rebirth.
Travel tips
Opening time: 2019.6.28 — 8.20
7:00 — 21:00 (Ticket selling ends at 19:00)
Entrance fee: 10 yuan
Transport: Get on Subway Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station and take exit B.
