As the scorching summer days arrive, it is the perfect time to enjoy the blooming lotus flowers. The appreciation of lotus flowers has always been a cherished activity. With the blooming of vast expanses of lotus flowers in Beijing, people are flocking to various spots to join in the admiration of these beautiful blooms. This article compiles 11 of the best places to enjoy lotus flowers in Beijing for you.
1-Yuanmingyuan Park
- Time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: No. 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- Ticket: 10 RMB
Known as the imperial summer retreat, the Yuanmingyuan Park has a long history of lotus flowers. In the "Twelve Months of Yuanmingyuan Pleasures (June Cooling)," there are descriptions of boating to view the lotus flowers. Recently, the 29th Lotus Flower Festival has officially opened here, where you can see nearly 200 varieties of lotus flowers such as "Green Ru Yi," "Red Terrace Lotus," and "Pink Elf," showcasing a variety of colors.
To enhance the lotus viewing experience, Changchun Garden offers water tours where you can sit on lotus-decorated boats, weaving through the lotus leaves for an immersive experience. Alongside the beautiful lotus scenery, there are also cultural activities such as the "Lotus Poetry" exhibition and the "Lotus Knot Poetry" comedy show, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the lotus viewing.
2-Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
- Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Location: No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- Ticket: Starting at 30 RMB
The lotus flowers at the Summer Palace are mainly concentrated in Kunming Lake, adding an ancient charm to the grand setting. The lotus flowers in Kunming Lake have been around since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, with the main variety being the Red Lotus of Baiyangdian, famed for its beauty even in the rain.
The densest area of lotus flowers is to the west of the West Dike. You can take a boat from South Lake Island to the West Dike, entering deep into the lotus flowers and encountering various water birds, enjoying the fun described in Li Qingzhao’s poem. Gengzhi Tu, Xiequ Garden, and Zhichun Pavilion are also excellent spots for lotus viewing. Zhichun Pavilion, located on the eastern shore of Kunming Lake, offers a panoramic view of the lake and the vast expanse of lotus flowers.
3-Beihai Park
- Time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Shichahai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Ticket: Starting at 10 RMB
Beihai Park is one of the oldest and bestpreserved imperial gardens in China, and it also boasts a long history of lotus flowers. This year's lotus exhibition is larger than ever, divided into areas such as the Lake Lotus Area, Haopu Pavilion Area, Xiaoxitian Area, Chanfu Temple Area, and the Site of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Building. The exhibition covers an area of 4,500 square meters with over 20,000 pots of various flowers, including more than fifty varieties of potted lotus such as Yingzhou Red and Wan Su, and over 150 pots of bowl lotus such as Ni Ling and Feng Mei. The exhibition also creatively incorporates various aquatic plants, providing a richer visual experience for lotus viewing.
4-Shichahai
- Time: All Day
- Location: 49 Di'anmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Admission: Free
The lotus flowers at Shichahai date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a lotus market taking shape during the Tongzhi period. The rich history and vibrant atmosphere here give the lotus flowers a unique charm. Starting from the lotus market and walking towards Yinding Bridge, you can enjoy lotus flowers set against various backdrops. If you have more time, you can also visit Xihai, just across the street from Shichahai, where the lotus flowers are equally beautiful. Climb up to the Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall for a breathtaking view of the expansive lotus fields.
5-Prince Gong's Mansion
- Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: 17 Qianhai West Street, Shichahai, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Admission: 40 RMB
Prince Gong's Mansion is the most wellpreserved royal mansion from the Qing Dynasty in Beijing, often referred to as "half of Qing Dynasty history in one mansion." The mansion consists of the residence and the rear garden, with the lotus flowers mainly found in the pond pavilion of the garden. Unlike the overwhelming sight of vast lotus fields, the lotus flowers here harmoniously blend with the surrounding architecture, creating a natural and classic charm.
In the center of the pond, there's a lakeside pavilion made of wooden singlepillar structures and a hard mountain roof, perfectly complementing the beauty of the lotus. To the east of the pond is a covered corridor, giving the feeling of walking on water, where the sight of the lotus flowers offers a different kind of delight.
6-Daguanyuan
- Time: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Location: 12 Nancaiyuan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Admission: 40 RMB
The Daguanyuan, a filming location for the 1987 TV series "Dream of the Red Chamber," offers multiple attractions in one visit. You can experience the romance of summer lotus flowers while immersing yourself in the familiar scenes from the drama, feeling as if you've stepped into the "Red Chamber." For example, Xiaoxiang Hall, where Lin Daiyu lived, is surrounded by lush bamboo and vibrant lotus blooms. Another great spot for viewing lotus flowers is the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, built over the water east of the central axis of the garden.
With pavilions and long corridors, and the harmony of flowers and birds, this classic and poetic setting brings to life the scenes from "Dream of the Red Chamber," where characters often composed poems spontaneously.
7-Taoranting Park
- Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: 19 Taiping Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Admission: 2 RMB
Established in 1952, Taoranting Park is renowned for its pavilion culture, combining classical architecture with modern garden art. The park features a water area of 16.15 hectares and is known for its carefully selected lotus varieties, including the Honglian and Bailian from Baiyangdian.
One notable spot is the Wind and Rain Pavilion on the peninsula along the east bank of the West Lake. Nearby, you'll find various lotus varieties such as Saijin, Shouxingtao, and Chang'e Benyue. These unique flowers, along with other surrounding blooms, create a vibrant summer landscape.
8-Beijing Botanical Garden
- Time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Intersection of Xiangshan Road and Wofosi Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- Admission: From 5 RMB
The lotus flowers in the botanical garden are mainly concentrated in Chengming Lake. The clear lake reflects the Western Hills, creating a stunning contrast of light and shadow that enhances the beauty of the water lilies. The surrounding greenery adds to the natural ambiance.
After enjoying the lotus flowers, you can visit Cherry Valley, home to the rare dawn redwood, known as a living fossil. On weekends between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, you might witness the misting system used to promote the growth of the redwoods, creating a mystical atmosphere.
9-Lotus Pond Park
- Time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: 38 West Third Ring Middle Road, Fengtai District, Beijing
- Admission: Free
Lotus Pond Park is the site of the ancient Lotus Pond, a crucial water source in Beijing since the era of King Wu of Zhou. The park has four interconnected lakes filled with various lotus species in diverse colors, including the rare doubleheaded lotus. The water lily pond at the north plaza features twotone flowers, offering a striking visual experience, perfect for both distant and closeup viewing.
10-Zizhuyuan Park
- Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: 35 South Zhongguancun Street, Beijing
- Admission: Free
Although named after bamboo, Zizhuyuan Park primarily showcases landscapes featuring both bamboo and lotus. The combination of numerous bamboo varieties and lotus flowers creates a unique atmosphere.
The Lotus Ferry area is particularly picturesque, with bamboo groves along the lake shore and lotus flowers in the water. The shadows of the bamboo fall on the lake, creating a serene dialogue between these two gentlemen of the plant world. An 800meterlong canal between the north and south lakes offers boat rides, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scenery.
11-Yuyuantan Park
- Time: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Location: 10 West Third Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- Admission: From 2 RMB
The lotus flowers at Yuyuantan Park are mainly found in the Cherry Blossom Lake in the northern part of the park. Varieties such as Baxianzi and Richu Huanghua thrive here. The Zhiyu Pavilion on the shore offers a panoramic view of the lotus flowers, willow trees, and water lilies. With fewer crowds, visitors can take their time to relax and connect with nature.
After admiring the lotus, head to Xiaguan Garden in the northeast or Liuchun Garden in the southeast. These areas have pergolas covered with climbing plants, making them perfect spots to cool down and enjoy the shade.
