MIDSUMMER is the season when lotuses reign in full bloom. Thanks to the abundant rainfall this year, the lotus flowers have bloomed earlier than usual. Here are four Shenzhen parks perfect for enjoying lotus flowers in summer.

Honghu Park 洪湖公园

Honghu Park in Luohu District is the first lotus-themed park in Shenzhen. The park boasts a vast lotus pond that attracts visitors every summer.

Ancient-style pavilions situated along the lotus pond are the best places to admire lotus flowers, offering the finest perspective to view the lotus-filled pond from a higher vantage point.

A mesmerizing sight of emerald-green leaves layered like a lush canopy across the lake creates an utterly enchanting scene.

Since 1988, Honghu Park has held an annual lotus flower festival during summer.

Metro: Line 7 to Honghu Station (洪湖站), Exit B (close to the park’s east gate)

Minghu Park 明湖公园

Minghu Park in Guangming District is a rare pocket of peace in Shenzhen, perfect for slowing down and savoring the garden in quiet solitude.

A crimson koi sculpture stand amidst the lotus blooms, its vivid hues harmonizing with the emerald-green leaves — a lively contrast that breathes vibrant energy into this serene oasis.

Beyond lotus viewing, visitors can take a stroll along the stone-carved boardwalk and wander through this lush mini-forest. Even outside the lotus season, it remains a perfect retreat for relaxation.

Metro: Line 7 to Xili Station (西丽站), Exit C, then take a taxi

Wanjing Tower 万景楼

Wanjing Tower, located in Shajing of Bao’an District, is an exquisite complex of classical architecture, blending Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) wall aesthetics with Suzhou-style garden artistry. It frames the lotus-filled pond with unique poetic charm.

Though modest in size, the lotus pond beneath Wanjing Tower boasts exquisite charm.

Metro: Line 11 to Shajing Station (沙井站), Exit C, then walk for about 14 minutes

Netherlands Flowers Town 荷兰花卉小镇

Luqu Lake (芦趣湖), located near the east gate of the Netherlands Flowers Town, is one of the few places in Shenzhen where visitors can admire water lilies in bloom.

Now at the peak of their season, purple, pink, and white lilies float serenely upon the water, transforming the lake into a living Monet palette.

The wooden boardwalk along the shore offers the best vantage point — strolling across it allows visitors to fully appreciate the lilies’ delicate forms and textures.

Beyond flower viewing, this quaint European-style town also invites you to browse floral shops, chat with chirping birds, or enjoy a cup of tea... making for a perfect half-day escape.

Metro: Line 1 to Daxin Station (大新站), Exit B, then take a taxi

(Wang Jingli)