Though they lack the endless expanse of “emerald lotus leaves stretching to the sky” seen in high summer, the withered lotuses standing defiantly in the winter wind have become a distinctive and cherished sight for many. Yet those hoping to catch this seasonal spectacle should act quickly - the annual harvest of West Lake’s residual lotus stalks has officially begun.

Each year around the Spring Festival, the lake’s dried lotus stems are cut back and cleared to prepare for the next blooming cycle. This year, however, the harvest is starting approximately two weeks earlier than usual. Due to milder winter temperatures and increased accumulated heat, the lotus rhizomes beneath the lakebed are expected to sprout as early as late February. To avoid disrupting their natural growth rhythm, authorities have moved the cleanup schedule forward accordingly.

In recent days, small workboats have been gliding across the chilly waters of West Lake. Equipped with specialized semi-automatic cutters, these vessels swiftly sever the dry stems, after which crew members gather the floating debris by hand.

The operation covers 24 designated lotus zones across the lake - spanning roughly 150 mu (about 25 acres) - and continues to employ a hybrid “manual + mechanical” approach. Maintenance teams navigate the waterways using semi-automated harvesting tools followed by manual collection, balancing operational efficiency with minimal disturbance to the lakebed ecosystem.

According to staff, the primary purpose of the cleanup is to reduce water eutrophication and prevent pest infestations. Timely removal of decaying plant matter serves as essential winter protection for the lotus rhizomes below.

Notably, to extend public enjoyment of this wintry aesthetic, the harvest will proceed from peripheral areas inward, deliberately leaving core scenic zones like Beili Lake until last. The entire process is expected to take about 17 days.

For those who cherish the sparse elegance and ink-wash tranquility of withered lotuses, now is the moment - Head to Beili Lake and other remaining patches while you still can, and capture this serene and poetic chapter of West Lake’s winter landscape.