Lotus flowers are in full bloom in Wufu township. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lotus ponds across Wufu township in Wuyishan, East China's Fujian province, are in full bloom, creating a sea of green leaves and pink flowers that stretches across the countryside. The summer scenery is drawing visitors to the township's rural landscapes and seasonal attractions.

The township is one of Fujian's major white lotus-producing areas and part of a region known as the cradle of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism. In recent years, Wufu has developed tourism by integrating Zhu Xi culture, the white lotus industry, and ancient-town resources.

The 14th China Wufu Lotus Festival opened in the township on Aug 1. Visitors could watch traditional lotus seed-processing techniques, sample dishes featuring white lotus, and explore markets showcasing local specialties such as white lotus products and Wuyi tea. The festival also offered hands-on craft-making activities, including plant dyeing, lacquer fan making, and lotus flower arrangement.

Creative dishes inspired by lotus flowers and white lotus are showcased at the Wufu Lotus Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As night fell, Xingxian Ancient Street became the center of the festivities, with cultural performances and markets featuring white lotus, tea, and dried bamboo shoots. By extending activities from the lotus ponds to the ancient town and evening markets, Wufu is turning its summer lotus season into a broader tourism experience that highlights the scenery and everyday life of Wuyishan.

A dragon fish parade lights up Xingxian Ancient Street at night. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]