Hangzhou photography enthusiast "Lier" captured the first sighting of the year's initial lotus blossom. " This year, the first lotus has emerged in the Pinghu Qiuyue area of West Lake, whereas in previous years it was typically found in the Quyuan Fenghe region first," Lier noted. "The lotus in Quyuan Fenghe seem to be delayed this season."

Lier closely tracks the annual blooming of West Lake's first lotus each year. "I spotted a young lotus bud a few days ago, and estimated it would open up within the next several days. So I went to Pinghu Qiuyue this morning and sure enough, the first one had bloomed."

Based on past records, the first lotus of West Lake usually emerges between late May and early June. On June 2, 2023, the initial wave of lotus flowers quietly came to life in the waters of Quyuan Fenghe Park. In 2022, the lake's first lotus bloomed on June 3, with one in Quyuan Fenghe and another by Xiling Bridge. In 2021 and 2020, the first West Lake lotus flowered on May 29, all from the Quyuan Fenghe area.

This year's first lotus has bloomed slightly earlier than last year, but still within the typical timeframe of previous seasons. The West Lake Water Management Office confirmed that the variety is the West Lake Red Lotus.

There are currently 24 lotus-growing zones across West Lake, spanning approximately 150 acres, primarily concentrated in areas like Beili Lake and Xili Lake. The iconic West Lake lotus is predominantly red in color.

The peak lotus flowering period at West Lake is expected from mid-to-late July through mid-to-early August. With the first blossom of the season now open, anticipation is building for the lake's full lotus display this summer.