The Xihai Wetland Park covers an area of 105,000 square meters, including a water area of 74,000 square meters and a surrounding green area of 35,000 square meters. The whole wetland park integrates the surrounding Huitong Temple and other monuments, becoming a rare natural wetland in the urban area. Lao She once described the beautiful scenery of Beijing's Xihai. When the lotus flowers are in full bloom, come to enjoy their unique charm.

It is known as the "Little West Lake" in Beijing, a summer lotus sea within the Second Ring Road. With willows lining the embankment, thousands of hectares of lotuses, reeds all around, ducks swimming in groups, and cicadas singing loudly, as described by Lao She, the beautiful scenery of Xihai in Beijing is a sight to behold. Compared with the bustling Houhai just a block away, Xihai is much more peaceful. If Houhai is a dazzling display of fireworks that cannot be hidden, then Xihai is a secluded paradise in the misty rain. The most beautiful season in Xihai is summer when lotuses, water lilies, reeds, water birds, and wild ducks can be seen everywhere. Occasionally, the park releases water mist, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. On the small hill on the northwest bank is the ancient Huitong Temple built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. Climbing up the steps and looking down from the top of the temple provides the best angle to enjoy the full view of the lotuses blooming in the pond. Small bridges and pavilions are interspersed among the lotuses, creating a scene where the lotuses blend in. The lotus pond is also a playground for ducks and water birds, who sometimes skim across the surface of the lake and sometimes stand on the lotus flowers, welcoming the most glorious moment of the year.

Walking into the Xihai Wetland Park, you'll be greeted by the sight of the green lotus leaves, whether emerald or dark green, connecting with each other and almost covering the entire lotus pond. The multitude of lotuses sometimes remain in bud, while at other times they burst into full bloom, intertwined with the lotus leaves, filling the entire scene like a vast landscape painting.

Address: Xihai, Shichahai, Deshengmen West, Xicheng District, Beijing

Translator: TANG Yingqi