Kunming Green Lake: Lotus Breeze Lingers All Day, Withered Blooms Hold Their Own Charm

By late September, autumn’s touch grows stronger in Kunming, and the lotus pond in Green Lake Park has shed the vibrancy of midsummer. The once dazzling array of blooming lotuses has now entered its final flowering phase. Though most blossoms have faded, the scene remains uniquely captivating, exuding a tranquil and serene beauty.

Upon entering Green Lake, the first sight to greet visitors is a vast expanse of dark green withered lotus leaves. The edges of the tall, standing leaves have begun to yellow, with some already dried and curled, revealing the clear, shimmering waves beneath the lake’s surface. No longer as vibrant and upright as they were in summer, each imperfect leaf resembles an ink wash painting sketched with a brush, full of poetic charm and a sense of weathered history.

Amidst these withered blooms, a few late-season lotuses stubbornly refuse to take their final bow. Some are still in bud, like shy maidens, while others have gently unfurled, revealing pale pink stamens that add a touch of brilliance to the tranquil pond. These last-standing blooms feel especially precious and moving, as if whispering the final elegance of the lotus pond.

Along the lake’s edge, vibrant red begonia flowers are in full bloom, their bright hues creating a striking contrast with the pond’s greenery and the withered yellows of the lotuses. Weeping willows sway gently in the breeze, blending with the lake waters, long corridors, and distant pavilions to form a richly layered autumn panorama.

At this time of year, Green Lake is free of the bustling crowds of lotus admirers. Instead, only scattered groups of visitors stroll along the shores, savoring this rare tranquility. Some pause to take photos, capturing the alternative beauty of the withered lotuses, while others sit on benches by the lake, quietly admiring the poetic scenery.

The beauty of the withered lotuses lies in their enduring charm and resilience. They remind us that beauty exists not only in full bloom but also in the grace and composure with which life approaches its end. With their final posture, Green Lake’s lotuses leave the most beautiful footnote to this autumn season.

Do you have any special impressions or memories of autumn at Kunming’s Green Lake?
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Post by Yongzhe | Sep 2, 2025