As the summer breeze sweeps across the West Lake, here once again comes a time to find blooming lotus on the waters. The city’s bus company offers a special route for the sightseeing of lotus flowers, an escape for both residents and tourists.

To help visitors grab the beauty of the blossoms, the route connects all spots alive with lotus flowers around the West Lake. It’s a journey to reach out the Broken Bridge, Xinxin Hotel, Guo’s Villa, and Changqiao (Long Bridge) - all without switching buses.

For example, you’ll find “Remnant Snow on Broken Bridge” set against a sea of lotus at the Geling stop, and a pool of lotus by the Solitary Hill aglow next to the Xinxin Hotel. Guo’s Villa is also a must-go place, where the tranquility of lotus permeates the garden. The lotus neighboring the Changqiao Park constitutes a graceful sight, perfectly framed with Leifeng Pagoda in the distance - making it an ideal spot to capture a sunset view with lotus and pagoda together in one shot.

Lotus is seen everywhere on the bus. Inside the cabin, plush lotus flowers, crafted by driver Chen Huirong, are the adornments for its handrails and grab handles, transforming the entire space into a floating “lotus pond.” The bus exterior is also embellished with unique wool-textured lotus flowers and leaves.

How to capture a “Lotus Bus?” Just click open “Hangzhou Public Transport” app, and you’ll spot buses each with a lotus icon along the West Lake Inner Loop - they stand for the buses’ instant whereabouts. The buses are available from 8:30 AM to 6:15 PM, with both its start and end stops at Liugongyuan (Sixth Park).

The “flower surprise” game is continued on such “Lotus Bus,” following the previous shuttles themed cherry blossoms and tulip. From its launch until July 11, there’ll be a couple of fresh lotus flowers tucked away somewhere in the corner of a bus, awaiting passengers lucky enough to get them - an unexpected, nice gift “won” by chance.

The bus company says that the special service will span the entire lotus blooming period. The city’s seasonal flower-themed bus series is now complete - with summer finally added to the lineup that features cherry blossoms in spring, osmanthus in autumn, and plum blossoms in winter.