Lotuses in bloom in Shanghai

Imaginechina

Imaginechina

Lotus flowers are in full bloom in Shanghai.

The Guyi Garden in Jiading District, the Gucun Park in Baoshan District, the Haiwan Forest Park in Fengxian District and the Xinbang Town in Songjiang District are some of the spots to appreciate the flower.

A lotus festival running through October 10 has kicked off in Xinbang Town, featuring 786 kinds of lotus and more than 60 types of water lilies. A variety of activities such as lotus tea ceremony, lotus arrangement, Hanfu (traditional outfit of ancient China) show, guqin (a traditional Chinese instrument) performances, and lotus painting event will be staged during the festival.

QunPuA lotus and water lily exhibition featuring more than 600 flower varieties, including rare species, is underway at the Guyi Garden and will last until July 29.

Visitors are able to appreciate lotus species recorded in “Qun Fang Pu,” a book about flowers from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), as well as hybrid and artificially pollinated varieties like “sleeping beauty” and “stars,” and new varieties like “rosy clouds.”

Several rare lotus and water lilies on display were introduced from abroad, including some international award-winners.

About 80 types of lotus and 30 kinds of water lily are featured at lotus ponds in Haiwan Forest Park covering nearly 1,000 mu. Intangible cultural heritage performances, 3D light show, and beer and food market are held at the park through September 10.

In addition, some scenic spots in the city are using spray to cool down visitors.

In the Yuyuan Garden, spray facilities have been installed under the Zigzag Bridge, which can lower the temperature by three to five degrees, and spray fans have been in place at the central square and major roads in the attraction.

At the Shanghai Happy Valley, 20 spray facilities and 38 fans have been installed, and shades have been provided. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower has added ice barrels at queuing area together with more than 30 fans.

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