Lotus Season in Beijing: Where to See the Blooms in 2026 🪷
From late June through August, lotuses and water lilies burst into bloom across Beijing, turning ponds and lakes into canvases of pink, white, and green.
Here are 6 of the best places to catch them:
1. The Summer Palace (颐和园)
The Summer Palace is the crown jewel of lotus viewing in Beijing. Nearly 250,000 square meters of lotuses are now blooming across the park.
Where to go: The “Pictures of Farming and Weaving” (耕织图) scenic area and the West Dike (西堤).
What to expect: The “Water Pavilion and Floral Banks” (水榭花岸) scenery blends traditional Chinese floral arrangements with ancient pavilions reflected in the water. You can also take a boat ride along the West Dike to drift through the lotus ponds.
Pro tip: The lotuses around Yanshangzhai (延赏斋) are already at peak bloom. The West Dike lotuses will hit their stride in early July.
Metro: Line 4 to Beigongmen Station
2. Zizhuyuan Park (紫竹院公园)
This park is known for its water lilies as much as its lotuses.
Where to go: South Small Lake, North Small Lake, and the Yunshiyuan Scenic Area (筠石苑景区).
What to expect: Look for the striking red-and-yellow Wanvisa hardy water lilies — they’re famous for their exceptional beauty.
Pro tip: Water lilies are now at peak viewing season. Lotuses will follow in mid-July.
Metro: Line 4 or 9 to National Library Station
3. Yuyuantan Park (玉渊潭公园)
Yuyuantan is famous for cherry blossoms in spring — but in summer, the lotuses take over.
Where to go: Cherry Blossom Lake (8,000 sqm of lotuses) and the Wanping Hexiang Scenic Area (万萍荷香景区) (10,000 sqm).
What to expect: Cherry Blossom Lake has the greatest variety of lotus cultivars. Wanping Hexiang blooms can last all the way into September.
Metro: Line 1 to Military Museum Station, or Line 16 to Yuyuantan East Gate
4. China National Botanical Garden South Garden (国家植物园南园)
The South Garden has a dedicated blossom-viewing area spanning about 4,000 square meters.
Where to go: The Ancient Lotus Pond (古莲池) near the west gate, and the aquatic and vine zones further in.
What to expect: Nine distinct ancient lotus varieties, plus roughly 50 lotus cultivars and 140 water lily varieties. Standing on the eastern bank is the Emperor Kangxi’s Lotus-Viewing Stele (康熙御碑) — a historic monument with a view.
Pro tip: The two original lotus species native to Asia and America are displayed in elegant potted arrangements.
Metro: Line 西郊线 to Botanical Garden Station
5. Lianhuachi Park (莲花池公园)
This park is hosting the 2026 Beijing Lotus Cultural Festival, which opened on June 26.
Where to go: The entire park — it’s one big lotus garden.
What to expect: Over 380 lotus cultivars, more than 7,000 pots of premium lotuses, and a 20,000-square-meter open-air lotus wetland.
Pro tip: A pair of rare twin lotus flowers has emerged in the potted cultivation area. Both are in the budding stage — keep an eye out.
Metro: Line 7 to Lianhuachi Station
6. Taoranting Park (陶然亭公园)
This is a smaller, quieter spot with a classic Chinese garden feel.
Where to go: Chuitai Pavilion (吹台亭) — surrounded by water on three sides.
What to expect: Blooming lotuses, traditional pavilions, and weeping willows complement each other beautifully. It’s a refreshing escape on a summer day.
Pro tip: The lotus season runs from late June through early to mid-July.
Metro: Line 4 to Taoranting Station
FAQ:
1️⃣ When is the best time to see lotuses in Beijing?
Late June through August is peak season. Different parks peak at different times — the Summer Palace lotuses are already at peak, while Zizhuyuan’s lotuses will peak in mid-July.
2️⃣ Are there entrance fees for these lotus-viewing parks?
Yes for some. The Summer Palace (30 RMB) and the National Botanical Garden (10 RMB) charge entry fees. Zizhuyuan, Yuyuantan, Lianhuachi, and Taoranting are free.
3️⃣ What’s the best time of day for lotus photography?
Early morning, between 6:00 – 8:00 AM. The light is soft, the blooms are freshly open, and the parks are less crowded. The Summer Palace is especially good at sunrise.
4️⃣ Can I take a boat through the lotus ponds?
Yes. The Summer Palace offers boat rides along the West Dike through the lotus area. Other parks may offer pedal boats or rowboats near the lotus zones.
5️⃣ Are the parks crowded during lotus season?
Yes — especially on weekends at the Summer Palace. Go on a weekday morning for the best experience. Lianhuachi will be busiest during the cultural festival.
✨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing ✨ We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper — cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
