Jinhu County in Huai’an is located in central part of Jiangsu Province, surrounded by Baima Lake, Gaoyou Lake, and Baoying Lake. The water area occupies half of the county, creating an excellent space and environment for lotus to grow. At present, there are more than 370 varieties of Jinhu lotus, and most of the lotus species at home and abroad are planted here, forming a unique regional culture. Therefore, Jinhu County is also hailed as the “Hometown of Chinese Lotus Culture”.
The ten thousand acres of Hehuadang (lotus lake) in Jinhu extends for 2.24 square kilometers. When you are in it, you can overlook the east, the west, the north and the south, enjoying the endless horizon, green land and sky. If you turn around in this scenic area, you will definitely get lost in the endless green color and the magnificent plant masterpiece.
The center of Hehuadang is the core of this scenic area. Visitors are used to taking a boat trip here. One reason is that Hehuadang occupies a large area, and the other reason is that sitting on the boat makes it easier to get in touch with lotus and enjoy a different view. With the blue sky and white clouds above head, you can tour above the clear lake, feel the breeze and smell strong fragrance of the lotus. The picturesque scenery of “Green lotus leaves outspread as far as boundless sky; Pink lotus blossoms take from sunshine a new dye” is right here under your nose. The lotus leaves are scattered high and low with pieces being close to each other, creating a boundless green ocean. Layers of leaves are dotted with pink, light yellow, and white lotus flowers, and it is just like being in a fairyland. When you boat further into the lotus lake, the scent of lotus leaves rushes to refresh your hearts, and you can also pick lotus pod. Peel off the shell of the tender lotus pod, then you can taste the crisp and refreshing lotus seeds, which will leave lingering fragrance in your mouth.
