Nestled at the western foothills of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, Yunxi Botanical Garden is a national ex‑situ conservation hub. Its dedicated Water Lily Display Area, spanning over 20,000 m², presents a living collection of native species from China and abroad, ranking among the country's most significant. Behind the serene ponds lies a dynamic scientific effort. A specialized water lily conservation and development team works hand‑in‑hand with universities and research institutes to advance germplasm innovation. The photos capture their precise craft — from hand‑pollination and seed collection to growth monitoring — showcasing the science that sustains the garden's 261 water‑lily and lotus varieties.
A staff member fertilizes water lilies at Yunxi Botanical Garden in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, in this Jan. 27 photo. Photos from Xinhua
A staff member collects pollen from a water lily at Yunxi Botanical Garden.
A staff member checks the growth of water lilies at Yunxi.
A water lily is seen at the display area for water lilies at Yunxi.
A staff member shows the seeds of a water lily at Yunxi.
A staff member bags a water lily that has been given artificial pollination at Yunxi.
