A lotus pond in Xujiazhuang village, Yazhou town, Hai'an. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In Xujiazhuang village, Yazhou town, Hai'an, a stunning 3-hectare lotus pond is now in full bloom, offering visitors a vibrant summer spectacle.

"The lotus flowers began blooming in late June and will continue to peak until mid-August," said Chen Hua, a Party official of the village.

In recent years, the village has leveraged its abundant water resources to implement an innovative tourism model that combines lotus cultivation with fish farming. The village has also established stable supply partnerships with local flower shops and markets. "Each lotus flower sells for 3 yuan, and each seedpod for 5 yuan. The ornamental pond alone generates over 2,800 yuan ($390.79) per mu (0.067 hectares) annually," Chen explained.

"Compared to rice, lotus farming offers higher returns and requires less management," he added. This year, the village introduced a new variety which is crisp, sweet, and can be eaten raw after washing. It's expected to hit the market by the end of July, with projected profits exceeding 5,000 yuan per mu, providing a fresh income boost for local farmers.

To further enhance its appeal, the village has invested in scenic upgrades such as lighting, misting systems, and decorative windmills, creating a unique cultural tourism route that blends lotus viewing, harvesting, and leisure.

In addition, Xujiazhuang is embracing e-commerce by using its local livestreaming center to expand market reach.