Savor summer bliss: lotus viewing and tea tasting in Songjiang

As summer arrives, Xinbang town's lotus garden bursts into life, offering a serene escape with its vibrant lotus pond scenery. Thousands of lotus blossoms stretch across the water, their emerald leaves forming a lush canopy, while delicate pink and white flowers sway gently in the breeze.

Lotus flowers are in bloom. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh_songjiang]

Photographers wander the paths, capturing the ethereal beauty, unaware they've become part of the landscape themselves. "This year's lotuses are exceptionally vibrant — their shapes, colors, and varieties are stunning," shared photography enthusiast Ms Zhong.

Beyond the visual feast, the garden invites visitors to indulge in lotus flower tea, crafted from freshly picked Jiupin Xianglian blossoms. Local tea artisans demonstrate the traditional brewing process: rinsing the petals, trimming stems, and steeping them in hot water to create a golden-hued infusion. The tea offers a subtle bitterness followed by a refreshing, floral aftertaste, enhanced when chilled with honey. "Lotus tea is perfect for summer — it clears heat, detoxifies, and brightens skin," explains tea master Fang Weizhen.

Lotus flower tea. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh_songjiang]

This seasonal experience blends nature's artistry with wellness traditions, inviting travelers to slow down and savor summer's simple joys.