Foreign photographers capture Beijing's lotus blooms at Beihai Park

During summer and early autumn, foreign photographers and vloggers frequently capture the beauty of Beijing's lotus flowers at Beihai Park, a historic imperial garden.

This year, Scottish photographer Bruce Connolly, a resident of China for 39 years, shared stunning images on social media of lotus blooms against the backdrop of Shichahai's traditional architecture. "Even after all these years, Beijing continues to inspire me," he remarked.

Similarly, Canadian photographer Madelyn Arnold highlighted her lotus photos on the Beijing government's website, emphasizing the beauty of the flowers and their status as a symbol of good fortune.

Serbian vlogger Katarina Stojanovic, a graduate of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, praised the lotus for its elegance and cooling effect. She noted that Empress Dowager Cixi favored lotus seed drinks for their health benefits. "Lotus seeds nourish the heart and calm the mind," she explained.

Hou Lei, a scholar of Beijing culture, observed that Westerners' fascination with the lotus may stem from its symbolic meanings. In Chinese culture, the lotus represents moral purity, contrasting with its varied mystical meanings in the West. For Beijingers, the flower is cherished, whether adorning courtyards or featured in culinary traditions.

"For Beijingers, admiring the lotus in the cool summer or early autumn is a beloved tradition," said Zhang Meng, a seasoned docent at the park.

The park's lotus legacy stretches back over 800 years. Its flowers were revitalized in the early 2000s with seeds from a national science initiative.