Best summer lotus escapes in Guangdong

As early summer settles in, lotus flowers across Guangdong burst into full bloom, transforming lakes and ponds into vibrant palettes of pink, white, and green. Now is the perfect time to catch them at their peak. Don't miss the season's most poetic moments!

Liwan Lake Park, Guangzhou (广州荔湾湖公园)

Liwan Lake Park offers a classic Lingnan experience with its blooming lotus flowers set against classical architecture. It's recommended to enter through the north gate and follow the lakeside path to Haishan Xianguan pavilion, the best viewing spot where pink blossoms sway beside carved pavilions and arched stone bridges. The scene is especially enchanting on misty mornings, when fog curls over the water like a classical ink painting.

(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)

After admiring the flowers, sample seasonal Cantonese dishes nearby. The surrounding restaurants serve specialties made with lotus root, seeds, and leaves, such as steamed rice in lotus leaf, braised pork with lotus root, and crispy pan-fried lotus cakes.

Address: No. 155 Longjin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州荔湾区龙津西路155号荔湾湖公园)

Other sites in Guangzhou: Liuhua Lake Park, Yuexiu Park, Dashahe Wetland Park, Luochong Park, Nancun Village, Guangzhou Martyrs' Memorial Garden, Dafu Mountain Forest Park, Langtou Village

Honghu Park, Shenzhen (深圳洪湖公园)

Shenzhen's Honghu Park, the city's first lotus-themed park, bursts into vibrant bloom in summer. In the north, Lianxiang Lake showcases traditional red lotus flowers amidst a backdrop of classical Lingnan gardens, while the southern pavilion area offers panoramic views of the vast bloom-covered lake.

(Photo: Shenzhen Evening News)

The 2025 Shenzhen Lotus Festival is currently underway and runs until July 6. The event includes a lotus photography exhibition, calligraphy and ink art showcases, and even rare sightings of double lotus flowers.

(Photo: Luohu Fabu)

Address: No. 2023 Wenjin North Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen (深圳罗湖区文锦北路2023号)

Other sites in Shenzhen: Wanjing Tower, Netherlands Flower Town, Minghu Park, Shiyan Wetland Park

Asia Arts Park, Foshan (佛山亚洲艺术公园)

In summer, Foshan's Asia Arts Park is a favorite among photographers and locals. Lotus flowers fringe tranquil ponds, antique-style walkways, and pavilions. A timed misting system casts a dreamy haze over the water, making the entire scene look like a fairyland.

(Photo: Foshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

(Photo: Chancheng District Urban Management and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau)

Address: No. 13 Wenhua Middle Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区文化中路13号)

Other sites in Foshan: Nanzhuang Village, Zhongshan Park, Shunfeng Mountain Park, Chencun Town's Dadu Village, Bruce Lee Paradise, Qiandeng Lake Park, Sanshui District's Lotus World

Lianhu Scenic Area, Dongguan (东莞桥头莲湖风景区)

Known as a "lotus town," Qiaotou's Lianhu Scenic Area features around 50 acres of lotus ponds and has recently entered full bloom. This year, 31 twin lotus plants have been spotted here. Along winding boardwalks, white and pink flowers sway gently beside traditional pavilions. If you're lucky, you might catch a stunning sunset reflected in the lake, transforming the scene into a living oil painting.

(Photo: Qiaotou Converged Media Center)

Address: No. 3 Bilian Road, Qiaotou Town, Dongguan (东莞市桥头镇碧莲路3号)

Other sites in Dongguan: Caotang Park, Beidao Park, Fengshan Park

Fenglin Xiaozhen Scenic Spot, Qingyuan (清远峰林晓镇)

Nestled among karst peaks, Fenglin Xiaozhen Scenic Spot in Yingde features nearly 50 acres of lotus ponds. Mist drifts over emerald waters as pink blooms sway beneath rugged cliffs. Visitors can enjoy bamboo rafting, hop on a scenic train for a close-up view, or take a hot-air balloon ride to admire the lotus sea from above.

(Photo: Fenglin Xiaozhen Scenic Spot)

Additionally, the scenic spot's 9th annual Lotus Festival begins on June 21, featuring immersive performances every Saturday from June 21 to June 22 and July 12 to August 16. Don't miss it!