A farmer picks lotus seeds in Jianning county, Sanming, Fujian province. [Photo/WeChat account: GrainBuds-wx]

Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the lotus seeds in Jianning county have been renowned throughout China for their plump shape and ivory color.

Jianning, a county in Sanming, Fujian province, is renowned for cultivating the top lotus seeds.

The annual planting area for lotuses in Jianning county is about 33.33 square kilometers and its annual output is more than 2,300 tons, which is equivalent to 460 million lotus seeds.

The 12 skills required to cultivate the seeds range from picking to roasting and have been passed on for generations.

The lotuses are planted on terraces, with the blooming pink and white flowers creating a beautiful contrast with the area's mountains and lakes.

A bird's-eye view of terraced lotuses in Jianning county, Sanming, Fujian province. [Photo/WeChat account: GrainBuds-wx]

Jianning lotus seeds. [Photo/WeChat account: GrainBuds-wx]