Summer began in Hangzhou on May 8. Check out this travel guide of West Lake scenic spots to appreciate the seasonal blossoms!

Guozhuang

The 8th Hangzhou Westlake Rose Exhibition and Guozhuang Meilland Rose Cultural Exhibition has kicked off, with rare species of the roses growing in the main display area of Guozhuang (郭庄) alongside West Lake. A large number of roses from the Meilland family are on display as well.

The exhibition will run through May 20. Visitors can make reservations via the WeChat public platform “Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Spot” (杭州西湖风景名胜区) or “West Lake Tourism” (西湖旅游).

Hangzhou Garden

The Chinese rose garden in Hangzhou Garden, rebuilt in 2014, is the most extensive rose garden in the urban area of Hangzhou, with over 50,000 roses planted.

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

The hardy water lily, with over 100 species growing at Hangzhou Botanical Garden, is one of the most desirable water garden plants, as they produce magnificent blossoms from late Spring to early Autumn (from May to September). The hardy water lilies bloom on sunny days and close their flowers on cloudy days and at night.

Wushan Chenghuang Pavilion

The 7th hydrangea exhibition is expected to open on May 26 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Chenghuang Pavilion.

West Lake Lotus

With lotus pond cleaning work finished, the lotus flowering season is just around the corner! The flower buds are thriving, and lotus leaves are springing up in droves. Lesser Fullness of Grain, the eighth solar term and the second solar term in summer, falls on May 20 this year. The first lotus of this year in West Lake is expected to flower around the time of the Lesser Fullness of Grain.