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One of the ten best scenes of West Lake, Quyuan Garden is
famous as the world of lotus. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty, Quyuan (Yeast
Courtyard) was an official winery where lots of lotus were planted. In midsummer,
the air was scented with the delicate fragrance of lotus blossoms intermingled with
the tasteful bouquet of wine. In 1700, the Qing Dynasty emperor Kangxi toured Hangzhou
and wrote an inscription to mark the spot. In 1980, the garden was extended to a
5-section park occupying nearly 70 acres. With over 200 species of lotus growing
in 5 ponds, the park is perhaps the largest lotus park of its kind in China.
When lotuses are in full bloom, the park presents a remarkable
sight. Just as the verses go: “Green lotus leaves stretch so far to the ruddy horizon;
Bathed in sunshine are exceptionally pink lotus blossoms”. |
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