Yilong Lake and Lotus Garden in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
Yilong Lake (异龙湖, Yìlóng Hú) and its expansive Lotus Garden (万亩荷花园, Wànmǔ Héhuā Yuán) are located two kilometers east of the town of Shiping (石屏县, Shípíng Xiàn) in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). From June to October each year, the lake is adorned with vibrant blossoms of red, pink, white, and purple lotus flowers, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle. Visitors can take wooden boats into the lotus ponds or ascend viewing pavilions to appreciate the flowers, photograph their beauty, and savor fresh lotus seeds, all while feeling a serene connection to nature.
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 异龙湖万亩荷花园 (Yìlóng Hú Wànmǔ Héhuā Yuán)
- Location: Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture
- Blooming Season: June to October
- Flower Type: Lotus (荷花, Héhuā)
Geographic and Climatic Features
Honghe Prefecture lies in the southern Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and features diverse geographical forms, including limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, basins, and hills. The region has a significant altitude difference, making the terrain complex. Rainfall is abundant, and the area benefits from ample sunlight, with a small annual temperature range. The climate is humid and predominantly influenced by the subtropical highland monsoon.
Because the Tropic of Cancer runs through the prefecture, temperatures and humidity increase from north to south, resulting in a generally warm and humid climate. The rainy season occurs mainly from May to October, while frost typically occurs from late November to February of the following year. Therefore, the best times to visit Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture are from March to April and September to November, avoiding the hot and rainy summer months.
The Splendor of Summer Flowers
As summer progresses, the beauty of Yilong Lake’s lotus flowers takes center stage. In the sweltering heat, the lotus flowers bloom brilliantly under the summer sun, creating vibrant splashes of color that capture the imagination. The vast lotus fields stretch out, creating a serene atmosphere where one can wander along the lakeside, admiring the interplay of red flowers against the green water, providing a refreshing respite from the summer heat. Popular spots for lotus viewing include Xiao Ruicheng Lotus Pond (小瑞城荷塘, Xiǎo Ruìchéng Hé Táng), Mabaolong Area (马宝龙片区, Mǎbǎolóng Piànqū), and Baxi Longgang (坝心龙港, Bàxīn Lónggǎng).
In the heat of summer, many locals and visitors express their fondness for lotus flowers, with Yilong Lake being the prime location for lotus appreciation.
The Lotus Season
When discussing the lotus flowers of Yilong Lake, the locals proudly speak of “ten thousand acres of lotus.” While the number may be an exaggeration, a drive around the wetlands of Yilong Lake reveals countless lotus ponds, large and small, connected like a necklace across approximately 30 square kilometers of stunning scenery.
Historically, Yilong Lake has been documented in the works of Ming Dynasty geographer and writer Xu Xiake (徐霞客, Xú Xiákè) in his travelogue “Xu Xiake’s Travels – Travels in Yunnan” (《徐霞客游记-滇中游》). He wrote about the lake’s beauty and the blooming lotus flowers more than three hundred years ago, illustrating its long-standing charm.
In the 1980s, Yilong Lake primarily featured local lotus varieties. However, in efforts to enhance the lake’s lotus flower brand, dozens of new varieties were introduced from regions like Zhejiang (浙江, Zhèjiāng) and Hunan (湖南, Húnán). This led to the creation of the “Yilong Lake Lotus Festival” (异龙湖荷花节, Yìlóng Hú Héhuā Jié), which has gained popularity over the years, attracting numerous visitors each summer.
This year, due to a dry spell, the lotus flowers opened later than usual. By mid-May, the first red lotus bloomed, and by June, the lake was bursting with flowers in full bloom, creating a magnificent spectacle.
Activities and Local Culture
As early as 8 AM, the lakeside road lined with willows is bustling with various cars heading to Yilong Lake. The lakeshore, shaded by trees, and the nearby boat docks are filled with tourists. Photographers gather by the ponds, capturing the exquisite forms of the flowers.
On Children’s Day (June 1), the Joyful Fishing Port (快乐渔港, Kuàilè Yúgǎng) on the southeastern shore was alive with visitors. Groups of women joyfully sang traditional songs, creating a festive atmosphere that made everyone feel youthful again.
Yilong Lake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a culinary delight. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as Yilong Carp (异龙鲤, Yìlóng Lǐ) and the famous Shiping Tofu (石屏豆腐, Shípíng Dòufu), along with unique lotus flower dishes like lotus leaf fried eggs and lotus root stew.
If you’re not yet ready to leave, enjoy traditional performances while savoring your meal, and don’t forget to buy fresh lotus seeds or flowers to take home.
The lotus blooms from May to late September, providing approximately 120 days of floral beauty, making it one of the longest blooming periods I’ve encountered. Perhaps the lotus flowers are drawn to Yilong Lake and Shiping just as the visitors are.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest major airport is in Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng). From Kunming, take a bus or hire a car to reach Shiping County.
- By Train: High-speed trains from Kunming to Shiping are available and provide a convenient option for travel.
- By Car: Renting a car allows for flexibility in exploring the scenic areas around Yilong Lake and beyond.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: June to September offers the best views of the blooming lotus flowers.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to try the Yilong Carp and Shiping Tofu while enjoying lotus flower dishes.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Photography: Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, especially during the early morning light.
- Souvenirs: Purchase fresh lotus seeds or flowers from local vendors as mementos of your visit.
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