Minor Heat, one of the 24 solar terms in summer, will fall on Sunday. During the period, high temperatures are good for the growth of the lotus flower. From Minor Heat to the Double Ninth Festival, the lotus flower is in full bloom, and always simple but elegant. Here, we have listed several parks in Beijing downtown to appreciate lotus blossoms.
Lotus Pond Park (Lianhuachi Park)
Lotus Pond Park has witnessed the development of this city. This park embraces three lotus areas, which are respectively themed by Baiyangdian red lotus in the north, space lotus in the west and small white water lily in the east. Tourists can appreciate variety of lotus flowers in rich shapes and colors here.
Covering an area of 53.6 ha., this park was rebuilt in the 1980s, where tourists can enjoy pristine natural landscapes.
The scene of “bowl lotus bursting into bloom in the rain” forebodes the coming of lotus flowers appreciation. On the occasion, wild red lotuses and small white water lilies are in full bloom, which embellish the 20,000m2-water area. More than 4,000 potted plants like lotus, grey club-rush, water willow and other aquatic plants are also exhibited. A variety of lotuses ushers in their early flowering period in mid-June and full-blossom period from July to early August. The prime time for appreciating lotus flowers ranges from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. More interesting, cloudy or drizzle day will add a tinge of elegance to the beautiful scenery. It usually bursts into bloom from 7:00 to 12:00 in the morning as small white water lily doesn't prefer high temperature and direct solar radiation.
Address: No. 48 Lianhuachi, Guang'anmen Outer Street, Fengtai District 丰台区广安门外莲花池48号
Beihai Park
In ancient times, Beihai Park was an imperial garden exclusively for the royal family to appreciate lotus, where a wealth of famous lotus poems were created. In this park, the scene "white pagoda reflecting in the full-blown lotus blossoms" serves as the best vivid natural landscape painting.
Appreciating lotus flowers in Beihai Park shall be the most frequently mentioned matter among Beijingers in midsummer. With serene environment and royal style, this park surely brings you visual and psychological enjoyment. As early as the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beihai Park, as an imperial garden, was planted with lotus for the royal family to enjoy sightseeing. Hence, here you can savor the sharp sense of integrity and graceful bearing peculiar to lotus.
The planting of lotus in this attraction can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty. Hence, the lotus flowers appreciation in summer has been recognized as an iconic event for this park until now. For 17 years in succession, Lotus Flowers Exhibition is traditionally held in sweltering summer. To this end, Beihai Park is an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy cool and cozy summer.
Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District 西城区文津街1号
Zizhuyuan Park (Purple Bamboo Park)
Zizhuyuan Park has enjoyed a good reputation for the noble lotus for a long time. Here you can row a boat in the lake and track the ripple generated as you paddle bamboo pole across the water surface, savoring the charm unique to water town. Hailed as the water parent-child amusement park, this park offers nearly 190 boats including various pedal-powered boats and electric boats such as panda boat, boat modeled by vintage car, warship modeled by Humvee, sand boat and pavilion-shaped boat. Meandering along the willow bank or enjoying entertainment in water, you can bask in the happy and harmonious moment with your beloved children.
Address: No. 35 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District 海淀区中关村南大街35号
