These days, the lotus flowers on West Lake have entered their peak bloom season. As far as the eye can see, sheets of lush green spread across the water, dotted with lotus blossoms standing tall and proud—drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike, all stopping to capture the view with their cameras.

Across the lake, there are 26 designated lotus zones, covering a total of about 150 mu (roughly 25 acres), scattered across the Outer Lake, North Inner Lake, West Inner Lake, Yue Lake, and Little South Lake. The full bloom window is expected to last through mid-August.

Lotus flowers have a unique rhythm—they open in the morning and close at dusk. So timing is everything if you want the money shot. The golden window is 6:00 to 8:30 AM, when the petals are fully unfurled and at their freshest, the morning dew still clings to the lake, and the light is soft and crystalline—creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. If you'd rather skip the lakefront crowds, the Qianwang Temple’s fine lotus exhibition is another great option. The gardens are decked out with curated landscape installations and feature lotus pools designed to offer a fresh twist on the classic flower-viewing experience.

One quick heads-up: with the subtropical high-pressure system strengthening again, the heat is here to stay. Forecasts say Hangzhou will see mostly sunny, scorching days for the coming week, with highs hitting 39°C. So if you’re heading out to admire the blooms, don’t forget to pack your sun protection and stay hydrated.