Experience the Summer Canvas of Lotus Blooms at Dongqian Lake 🪷

I. Preparations

(1) Timing

Mid-June to late July is the blooming season for lotuses at Dongqian Lake 🌸. Choose sunny ☀️ or drizzly days 🌧️—sunlight creates beautiful shadows, while light rain adds poetic charm to the lotuses, as if they’re naturally filtered~

• **By car**: Navigate to "Wanglan Hotel Parking Lot" 🅿️. Parking is convenient. From there, follow the signs to the underground lotus viewing spot near the International Conference Center—anticipation builds along the way~

• **Public transport**: Take Metro Line 4 to "International Conference Center Station" (Exit A) 🚇, or take Bus 665/966 (transfer at Dongqian Lake Station) for a direct ride 🚌. Eco-friendly travel is highly recommended!

(2) Itinerary

• **Morning**: Arrive at Ningbo International Conference Center for lotus viewing
◦ The lotus pond on the underground level of the conference center spans hundreds of acres, filled with pink and white blooms 🌼. Stroll along the pathways 🚶‍♀️ for close-up shots 📸. Use the architectural corridors and spiral staircases to capture stunning blends of lotuses and modern buildings 🏢. The complex, built with an ¥8 billion investment, features traditional Chinese wooden structures that make every shot look cinematic ✨.
◦ If it drizzles 🌦️, the lotuses against misty mountains and fishing boats create a dreamy Jiangnan watertown scene, like an ink painting—breathtaking~

• **Noon**: Lunch at Wanglan Hotel or nearby eateries
◦ Enjoy lakeside dining at Wanglan Hotel 🍽️, or head to Hanling Old Street (15 min by bike/taxi) 🚲 to try local delights like "Hanling Fried Dough Sticks" and "Old Street Noodle Wraps" 🍜—a treat for your taste buds ✔️.

• **Afternoon**: Explore more of Dongqian Lake
◦ **Little Putuo**: Bike or taxi from Hanling Old Street 🚴‍♂️. Walk the "Floating Causeway" 🌉 and photograph the reflection of Huxin Temple 🏯. Try the ¥15 vegetarian noodles 🍜 for a feast of flavors and views~
◦ **Hanling Old Street**: If you missed it at noon, wander the ancient cobblestone streets 🏮, soak in the riverside charm, and capture lantern-lit evening scenes 🌙—pure ambiance!
◦ **Academician Center**: Navigate there 🧭. The spiral viewing deck offers 270° lake views 🌊, blending architecture with nature—perfect for moody photos 📷, effortlessly artsy~

III. Alternative Lotus Spots (Optional)

• **Yuebo Book Tower**: Inside Little Putuo Scenic Area 🏞️. Cross "Moon Shadow Bridge" to find sprawling lotuses by the tower, swaying or in full bloom 😌—like stepping into an ancient scholar’s painting~
• **Qianhu Secret Trail**: After rain 🌧️, lakeside lotuses frame misty mountains and boats, a serene Jiangnan tableau 🌿—enjoy the tranquility alone~
• **Xiashui Wetland Park**: Lotuses hide under bridges, among reeds, or at the end of corridors 🌾—a "lotus treasure hunt" with creamy water lilies and pink buds 🌸, playful as a game 🎮.

IV. Tips & Pitfalls

• **Avoid**: Skip overpriced private boats 🚤; official ferries sell tickets at the "Visitor Center" 🎫. Some ponds lack railings—stay safe while snapping photos ⚠️. Don’t let beauty trip you up~
• **Photography**: Light-colored outfits, Hanfu, or cheongsams suit the scene 👘. Use soft morning/evening light 🌅 or rainy haze for effortlessly stunning shots 📸—unlock the "aesthetic code"~