The annual Shanghai Lotus and Water Lily Exhibition returns for the summer. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The 13th Shanghai Lotus and Water Lily Exhibition opened at Guyi Garden in Jiading district on June 28 and will run through July 28, offering one of the city's most popular summer flower displays.
This year's exhibition features more than 500 lotus varieties and over 110 water lily varieties. Visitors can enjoy classic favorites as well as newly bred cultivars, including 11 lotus and 13 water lily varieties making their Shanghai debut. A standout highlight is the viral giant plant sculpture, nicknamed "Messy Dog," surrounded by around 50 pots of lotus flowers representing more than 30 varieties.
The popular "Messy Dog". [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The display of night-blooming water lilies has expanded, and alongside the giant Victoria water lilies, it creates a distinctive day-and-night viewing experience.
The exhibition also features weekend cultural activities, including traditional handicraft workshops, lotus-themed food experiences, and displays of lotus-inspired souvenirs.
Visitors may also enjoy discounts at selected attractions and participating businesses with their Guyi Garden admission ticket throughout the exhibition period.
Free admission will be offered on July 7 and July 23 to visitors wearing hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing.
The event extends beyond Guyi Garden to six other venues across the city, each presenting its own lotus-themed displays and activities.
Water lilies in bloom. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]