▶ Nankai University
The Mati Lake lies in the Nankai University, one of the top universities in Tianjin. It is covered with lotus in summer where the big lotus leaves densely packed like a carpet of the lake and the lotus flowers being in full bloom. At sight of it, you will find a famous poem that “green lotus leaves outspread as far as boundless sky and pink lotus blossoms take from sunshine a new dye” is a very apt description of the breathtaking beauty. Those clumps of lotuses are “newly blooming” and their carpet-like leaves make a contrast with the clear lake water, presenting a landscape that makes viewers linger on. In this picturesque, poetic wonderland, the lotuses ooze a certain tranquil elegance and natural carefreeness, giving rise to the beauty that enchants throngs of viewers.
Highlights: the blooming lotuses of Mati Lake in Nankai University have attracted myriad of tourists inside and outside the university to go sightseeing and take photos. As you get an eyeful of those newly blooming lotuses with newly shooting leaves while energetic young students in threes and fives pass by now and then, you would feel as if being transported back to your studenthood.
Address: No. 94, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin City 天津南开区卫津路94号
▶ Baiyangdian
At the water area of Baiyangdian Qianli Di, there lies a beautiful expanse of lotuses, with fabulous views and pleasing fragrance. For thousands of years, the lotuses here have attracted generation after generation of emperors and imperial concubines, as well as myriad of literati, nobles and dignitaries. If you are lotus bound, a tour by wooden boat comes highly recommended. As a common and necessary transportation tool of Baiyangdian fisherman in the past, the wooden boat is nothing less than an epitome of local customs and practices. When the fisherman paddles it very stably in the river now towards left now towards right, tourists on it, weaving in and out of rows of reeds interspersed with clumps of lotuses, can get an eyeful of the natural beauty of the fragrant lotuses that stretch for tens of miles.
And here grow many kinds of world’s rare lotuses ranging from the biggest one, victoria regia Lindl, to the smallest one, bowl lotus, that can be placed on the desk to perfume the air. Apart from the difference in color and shape, these lotuses also blossom in different seasons. With the advent of flower seasons, the paradise-like flower sea will draw swarms of sightseers, their vivid faces and those dedicate flowers basking in each other’s radiance. Over the recent two years, the boutique lotus garden has rolled out “Bingdi lotuses” and “Sandi lotuses” in succession to express auspicious wishes of luck and prosperity.
Highlights: Hehuadian, Boutique Lotus Garden, Qingqu Bridge, Beach Bathing Garden, Fish Sightseeing Lake, Xishui Water Park, Pelodiscus Sinensis Garden, Crab Garden, Aviary, and so on.
Address: Baiyangdian, Anxin County, Hebei Province 河北省安新县白洋淀
▶ Chengde Mountain Resort
Located to the north of downtown Chengde of Hebei Province, Chengde Mountain Resort, also known as “Chengde Ligong” or “Rehe Xinggong”, is perched on a strip of valley bordering the west bank of Wulie River. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it doubled as a summer resort for emperors to handle state affairs. Come summer, that mysterious expanse of lotus pond in cool breeze is well worth a cruise. Mind you, the refreshing air, as well as the lotus fragrance wafting fitfully, will definitely set the scene for an unforgettable experience. The lake area consists of many stretches that vary in shape and size yet are linked to each other. Dozens of lotus ponds feature different temperature and lotus species which makes the pond distinguish from each other When the flower season arrives, the blooming lotuses are in a riot of color, contrasting with surrounding gardens and decorations in diverse styles. With your every step, a different world that makes you linger on without any thought of leaving will unfold before your eyes.
▶ Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden
In Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden, there is a scenic area called Hehuaping which is home to over 30 lotus species. In summer, a stroll to these three lotus gardens, namely “Listening to Lotuses”, “Watching Lotuses” and “Smelling Lotuses”, comes highly recommended. Among those fresh green lotus leaves that look like carpets of small umbrellas, a dazzling array of lotus flowers in red, white, pink and other colors is dotted around, presenting a sight to behold. Some enjoy beautifully proportioned figure, some are getting ready to burst and some are partly hidden from sight behind thick leaves like a shy maiden.
Highlights: The lotus flowers of the garden enjoy unique charm in different months. With the advent of the flower season, the garden boasts of the breathtaking view of “a pond of lotuses with green leaves and red flowers waving in the breeze”; come August, it features the charming landscape of “faint fragrance of fading lotuses perfuming the air in breeze”. Moreover, it doesn’t matter even though it rains - the beauty that “lotus flowers just rise from the water, presenting a riot of color that lends radiance to each other” is also a pleasure to behold.地址：鹿泉区植物园街60号
Address: No. 60, Zhiwuyuan Street, Luquan District
