Beijing is currently witnessing the first wave of lotus blooms, and this article has provided information about the optimal viewing period. Gather your family and embark on a journey to discover the enchanting beauty of lotus ponds.

Summer Palace

Summer at the Summer Palace unfolds gracefully, bathed in the interplay of sunlight and gentle breeze. It resembles a vivid and delicate painting, inviting you to step into this historically significant imperial garden. As you enter, a refreshing mist greets you, seemingly dispersing the scorching heat of the entire summer.

Recently, the lotus leaves in the lotus pond beside the western embankment of the Summer Palace have unfurled, adorned with the vibrant blossoms of lotus flowers and water lilies. The sight is truly captivating.

The air is filled with the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers. Sitting in a boat, you can immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the lotus ponds in the western region of the Summer Palace with gentle wind. It creates a surreal experience, as if you are “wandering within a painting." Allow the gentle lake breeze to caress the swaying lotus leaves as you indulge in the refreshing aroma of lotus flowers.

Address: No.23 Jia Gongmenqian Street, Haidian District, Beijing.

Zizhuyuan Paek

At Zizhuyuan Park, the first batch of lotus flowers has quietly bloomed in the lotus pond. The tender pink blossoms peek through the lush green leaves, playfully hiding and seeking the attention of visitors.

Zizhuyuan Park boasts three lakes:  South Lake, NorthLake, and Big Lake. South Lake is adorned with extensive beds of lotus flowers, and it is also where you’ll find the lotus ferry. The Lotus Ferry area showcases a diverse range of lotus species, including unique varieties such as white and red lotus and Dashajin lotus.

During the summer season, Zizhuyuan Park will host the Bamboo and Lotus Cultural Season, offering the best opportunity to admire the lotus flowers.

The Lotus Ferry Scenic Area was established after the creation of Zizhuyuan Park in 1953. It has a rich history of over 60 years of lotus cultivation since the 1960s. In the middle of the lake, an 800-meter-long waterway meanders, earning the name “Lotus Ferry”. It has become one of Beijing’s top destinations for enjoying lotus flowers during the summer, providing a perfect retreat for both locals and tourists seeking respite from the heat.

Here, visitors can leisurely stroll along the shaded pathways, capturing picturesque moments through photography. Alternatively, you can board a flat-bottomed boat and immerse yourself in the serene scenery. Accompanied by a gentle breeze, this experience offers a unique and delightful ambiance.

Friendly Reminder:

Operating hours of rowboat of the Lotus Ferry Scenic Area: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). On weekends or holidays, opening hours may be extended based on visitor demand.

Price: 15 yuan per person, with one parent allowed to accompany a child below 1.2 meters in height.

Address: No.35 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing.

Yuyuantan Park

Recently, the lotus flowers in the East and West Sakura Lakes of Yuyuantan Park, as well as the “Full of Lotus Fragrance” area on the southwest bank of West Lake, have gradually opened. It is expected that the peak blooming period will occur at the end of June or early July.

The sprawling lotus ponds, lush green lotus leaves, and vibrant lotus flowers create a beautiful picture that brings joy and tranquility to visitors. In the gentle breeze, the lotus flowers sway, evoking a sense of poetic and picturesque beauty, adding vibrant colors to the park in the summer.

Address: No. 10 West Third Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing.

Yuanmingyuan Park (Old Summer Palace)

Recently, the lotus flowers have begun to bloom in Yuanmingyuan Park, with some varieties already in full bloom. The vibrant lotus flowers and water lilies complement the lush green lotus leaves. As the gentle breeze passes by, a delightful fragrance fills the air.

“The budding lotus leaves and flowers are just emerging, with dragonflies perched on them”. Many flower buds near the South Gate are waiting to blossom, exuding a sense of vitality. Graceful dragonflies dance and flutter over the lotus pond, sometimes landing on the lotus buds and other times flying towards the lotus leaves, creating a picturesque and dynamic scene that adds vitality to the tranquil pond.

Fenghe Tower, Lotus Yard, Spring Fairy Hall, Lian River Leisure Area, and others are larger areas for enjoying lotus flowers, offering a poetic and picturesque landscape that attracts many visitors for inspiration and photography.

Address: No. 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing.

Lianhua Chi Park

In the scorching summer, lotus flowers are in full bloom at Lianhua Chi Park. The lotus leaves and flowers fill the pond, with the newly bloomed lotus flowers displaying delicate and colorful petals, while others glisten in pristine white. The lush green lotus leaves stretch gracefully on the water's surface, and every lotus flower stands tall, exuding a captivating beauty. The best viewing period is expected to be at the end of June or early July.

Recently, at the lotus cultivation base, a rare double lotus quietly appeared. Its pink petals bloomed outward, resembling a pair of twin sisters. This double lotus belongs to the Meiyuanxiuse, and its radiant beauty is enhanced by the backdrop of green leaves.

Address: No. 38 West Third Ring Middle Road, Fengtai District, Beijing.

Beihai Park

Beihai Park has a long history of lotus cultivation, and the unique beauty of “Lotus Reflecting the White Pagoda” has made it one of the popular lotus viewing destinations in the hot summer. The best viewing period is expected to be in July.

This summer, visit Beihai Park and enjoy a leisurely ride on a rowboat amidst the sea of flowers, admiring the “Lotus in Xiaohai”.

Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.

Taoranting Park

The lotus flowers in Taoranting Park are expected to enter their peak blooming period in July. Within the park, there are several ideal spots to admire the lotus flowers, such as the “Weathering the Storm Together” monument in front of the pavilion, the Chuitai Pavilion that resembles Yangzhou’s Slender West Lake, and the Jinyue Pavilion near the northern entrance of the Huaxia Mingting Garden.

When the lotus flowers are in full bloom, the vibrant green lotus leaves and exquisite blossoms create a beautiful landscape. Sitting by the shore, one can enjoy the gentle breeze carrying the refreshing fragrance of lotus, providing a tranquil and delightful experience.

Address: No.19 Taiping Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.

Olympic Forest Park

In Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park, the lotus flowers are mainly found in two areas: The South Garden Wetland and the Qinghe Diversion Canal. The wetland area is dominated by red lotus, complemented by other aquatic plants such as water lilies, reeds, and calamus. The peak blooming period is expected to occur at the end of June or early July.

The elegant lotus flowers gracefully emerge amidst the clusters of reeds, adding a unique and enchanting charm to the water surface of Olympic Forest Park.

Addresses:

South Garden: No.33 Kehui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

North Garden: Anli Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Best Time for Lotus Viewing

The best times to appreciate lotus flowers are in the morning and after rainfall. Lotus flowers typically bloom for about three days. They open in the morning, gradually close their petals in the afternoon, and continue to bloom magnificently the next morning, displaying their most vibrant colors during the early hours. After rainfall, the lotus flowers appear even more pristine and captivating, with the glistening water droplets adding a refreshing touch.

Take advantage of the midsummer season and the blossoming flowers, and immerse yourself in the serene fragrance of lotus flowers to enjoy a cool and delightful experience!