Quyuanfenghe, located to the west of West Lake and in front of Yue Wang Temple, is a famous lotus viewing site in Hangzhou. Legend has it that during the Southern Song Dynasty, there was an official brewery workshop beside Hongchun Bridge, surrounded by ponds with numerous lotus flowers. In the summer, when a breeze would rise, the fragrance of the lotus flowers mixed with the aroma of wine, refreshing and invigorating, hence the name ‘Quyuanfenghe’.
Today’s Quyunfenghe is situated at the southeast intersection of Beishan Street and Yanggong Causeway, forming a park along the shores of West Lake. It is connected with nearby attractions such as Yue Wang Temple, Guo’s Manor, and Hangzhou Botanical Garden, making up the main tourist area on the north side of West Lake. The main entrance of the park is opposite Yue Wang Temple, and there is also an entrance near the Ya Di Bridge at the northern end of Su Causeway. It is recommended to enter the park directly through the main gate, as the entrance by Su Causeway is quite hidden and easy to miss.
The main attraction of Quyunfenghe is naturally the lotus flowers in summer. The park boasts a variety of lotus ponds, housing hundreds of lotus varieties, especially in the Fenghe area, which gathers the finest lotus varieties such as Red Lotus, Xuan Lotus, White Lotus, Double Terrace Lotus, Golden Lotus, and Bident Lotus. Walking on the winding bridges over the lake, one feels as if walking amidst a lotus pond, a beauty that intoxicates the soul.
The park is well-landscaped, with large trees providing ample shade. Sitting on benches and admiring the beauty of West Lake, one cannot help but recite: ‘The lotus leaves reach to the sky in boundless green, and the lotus flowers are uniquely red in the sun.’ The best time to view lotus flowers at Quyunfenghe is during June and July, from 6:00 to 8:00 in the morning when the lotus flowers are still adorned with dew, appearing shy and tender, making it an excellent time for photography.
Visiting at other times of the year, one can only see the rippling lake waters, which are less impressive without the lotus scenery. However, simply taking a walk here is also a pleasant experience. On the east side of the park, in the Yuehu Scenic Area, a stele inscribed with the words ‘Quyuanfenghe’ by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty is preserved. On the north side of the park, there are some antique-style restaurants that offer good food.
Quyuanfenghe: A Renowned Lotus Viewing Spot in Hangzhou
Quyuanfenghe, located to the west of West Lake and in front of Yue Wang Temple, is a famous lotus vi[...]
