Yangzhou's Hidden "Lotus Sea Secret Realm"! Come here in midsummer, even your breath will be wrapped in floral fragrance, and every photo will be a masterpiece📸
Who would have thought that besides the shimmering waters of Slender West Lake and the stacked rocks of Ge Garden, Yangzhou also hides a lotus garden where one can "immerse themselves in summer"? As soon as you step in, you're enveloped by a sea of green, the wind carries the sweet scent of lotus flowers, and even the sunlight becomes gentle. It's a truly underestimated midsummer treasure!
🌟 Must-Visit Spots in the Lotus Garden: Capture "Summer Romance" in Your Lens
1. Thousand-Acre Lotus Field Core Area: This is the "centerpiece" of the lotus garden! Continuous lotus flowers stretch from the lake's edge to the horizon. Pink, white, and pink-to-white gradient blossoms adorn the lush green lotus leaves, with dragonflies occasionally perching on the buds. Every shot is a poetic scene of "young lotus buds just peeking out." Photography tips: Wear a light-colored dress (white or light blue works perfectly), stand on the wooden boardwalk, squat down to use the lotus leaves as a foreground, frame both the sky and the lotus flowers, and remember to use live mode to capture the dynamic moments of the wind blowing through the lotus leaves~
2. Lotus Breeze Observation Deck: If you want panoramic shots, you must come here! The three-story observation deck offers expansive views, allowing you to capture the thousand-acre lotus field, distant reed marshes, and blue sky with white clouds all in one frame. Photography tips: Come around 4 PM when the setting sun will dye the lotus flowers a warm golden hue. Stand by the observation deck railing, turn sideways, smile back, and let the sunset fall on your hair and shoulders for an instant boost in atmosphere✨
3. Lotus Charm Boardwalk: This wooden boardwalk, built along the lotus field, makes you feel like you're "in the heart of the lotus sea." Lotus leaves brush against your arms, and the floral scent lingers around your nose. Photography tips: Have your companion take photos from the end of the boardwalk, using a low-angle upward shot to capture the extended feel of the boardwalk and the lotus flowers overhead. You can also use a lotus leaf as a prop, gently holding it to the side of your face for a playful and photogenic shot.
4. Lotus Culture Exhibition Hall: If you're tired from walking, you can come here to cool off. The hall features various lotus specimens, creative lotus-themed products (lotus-shaped bookmarks and diffusers are super cute), and exhibition boards with lotus poetry. Take a quick photo with the poetry, and you won't have to worry about captions~ Photography tips: Stand in front of an exhibition board, hold a lotus-themed product, look naturally at the camera, with a clean and uncluttered background. Perfect for a WeChat Moments post with the caption "Meeting you, Lotus, fills me with joy"😆
📍 Itinerary: Enjoy the Lotus Garden in One Day, No Rushing, Super Relaxing
- 09:00-09:30 Arrive at the Lotus Garden: It's recommended to come early when there are fewer people and it's less crowded. The lotus field in the morning still has dew, making photos look fresher.
- 09:30-11:30 Explore the Lotus Field + Take Photos: Start from the Lotus Breeze Observation Deck for panoramic shots, then follow the Lotus Charm Boardwalk deeper into the lotus field for close-up shots. The sunlight around 10 AM is not harsh and is perfect for photography.
- 11:30-13:00 Savor Lotus-Scented Delicacies: There are many farmhouse restaurants around the Lotus Garden. Be sure to order a lotus feast! Recommended dishes include stir-fried eggs with lotus flowers (fragrant eggs mixed with floral scent), steamed pork with lotus leaves (wrapped in the fresh scent of lotus leaves, not greasy at all), and lotus seed soup (made with fresh lotus seeds, sweet and refreshing). Average cost is 50-80 yuan per person, super satisfying~
- 13:00-14:30 Afternoon Leisure Time: You can browse the Lotus Culture Exhibition Hall or enjoy a cup of lotus tea in the scenic area's rest area, chatting while the breeze blows, and enjoying a slow-paced summer afternoon.
- 14:30-16:00 Capture Sunset Beauty: After 4 PM, the sunlight softens. Go back to the lotus field to take some sunset photos. The golden sunlight on the lotus flowers yields more stunning pictures. Afterwards, you can slowly head back~
🚗 Transportation Guide: What's the most convenient way to get to the Lotus Garden?
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Yangzhou Lotus Garden." The scenic area has its own parking lot, with a parking fee of 10 yuan/day. Suitable for families or friends traveling together, convenient for bringing photography props and changes of clothes.
- Public transportation: Take bus No. 33 from the city center and get off at "Lotus Garden Station," then walk for 5 minutes. If departing from Yangzhou East Station, first take bus No. 10 to "Wenchang Pavilion Station," then transfer to bus No. 33. The entire journey takes about 1.5 hours, is cost-effective, and suitable for solo travelers.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Close to the Lotus Garden, Comfortable and Convenient
1. Yangzhou Lotus Side Homestay: Located near the Lotus Garden, a 10-minute walk away. The homestay courtyard has many lotus flowers planted, so you can smell the floral scent when you open the window in the morning. The rooms are warmly decorated, with Chinese-style options that are also great for photos. Average cost is 150-200 yuan per person.
2. Hotels near Yangzhou Wenchang Pavilion (e.g., Home Inn Select): If you want to combine your trip with exploring city attractions, this is a great choice! It's about a 40-minute bus ride from the Lotus Garden, and nearby are Dongguan Street and Ge Garden. You can also visit the night market in the evening. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, with complete facilities. Average cost is 200-250 yuan per person.
3. Hotels by Yangzhou Canal (e.g., All Seasons Hotel): Close to the canal, you can take a walk along the canal in the evening. It's about a 30-minute drive from the Lotus Garden. The hotel environment is quiet, and the breakfast is rich, featuring Yangzhou specialties like soup dumplings and dried shredded tofu. Suitable for those who prefer a quiet accommodation environment. Average cost is 300-350 yuan per person.
5+ Nearby Attractions: After visiting the Lotus Garden, unlock more beautiful scenery
1. Baoying Lake National Wetland Park: About a 20-minute drive from the Lotus Garden. Here you'll find vast reed marshes, wetland boardwalks, and you can also take a boat tour to see water birds. Suitable for nature lovers, every shot is a healing masterpiece🌿
2. Zongzhao Garden: About a 30-minute drive, this is a lesser-known classical garden in Yangzhou. The garden features pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water, with lotus flowers adorning it in summer. It's less crowded than popular gardens, allowing you to slowly appreciate the elegance of Jiangnan gardens.
3. Baoying Museum: About a 15-minute drive from the Lotus Garden. The museum houses many local cultural relics from Baoying, as well as special exhibitions on lotus culture. After visiting the Lotus Garden, learning about the local culture makes the trip more enriching.
4. Ningguo Temple: About a 25-minute drive, this is an ancient temple with a long history. The temple's architecture is simple and solemn, and incense offerings are abundant. If you're tired, you can come here to calm your mind and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient temple.
5. Liubao Ermeizi Model Militia Activity Center: About a 40-minute drive. Not only can you learn about red history, but there are also retro scene setups, suitable for taking nostalgic photos, adding more meaning to your trip.
6. Baoying Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall: About an 18-minute drive. The hall features exhibitions on the deeds of martyrs and a memorial monument. The atmosphere is solemn, suitable for bringing children for patriotic education, adding depth to your trip.
Conclusion
Midsummer Yangzhou is not just about the bustling Slender West Lake, but also the "Lotus Companion" of the Lotus Garden~ A pond full of lotus flowers, fresh lotus fragrance, and photogenic scenery, it's perfect whether you're traveling alone, with friends, or on a family vacation!
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