Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard), Hangzhou
——“Endless green lotus leaves stretch to the sky; lotus blossoms glow crimson under the sun.”
Quyuan Fenghe is one of the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake, nestled at the northwestern corner of West Lake, between Yue Lake and Su Causeway. Originally a Southern Song Dynasty imperial brewery (“Qu Yuan,” meaning “Brewery Courtyard”), it earned its name from the fragrant lotus blossoms that would drift into the wine-making courtyards on summer breezes—hence “Lotus in the Breeze at the Brewery,” later adapted to “Quyuan Fenghe.”Today, it’s Hangzhou’s largest and most exquisite lotus-themed park, spanning over 400 acres and showcasing more than 200 varieties of lotus and water lilies. From mid-June to late August, the lake shimmers with endless emerald leaves and thousands of blooming flowers—offering a sensory feast of sight and scent that embodies the essence of a Jiangnan summer.
📍Essential Information
Location: Intersection of Yanggong Causeway and Beishan Street, Xihu District, Hangzhou (near Yue Fei Temple and the northern end of Su Causeway)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (best visited 6:00–9:00 AM or 5:00–7:00 PM to avoid crowds and enjoy soft lighting)
Admission: Free (part of West Lake Scenic Area; no reservation required)
Best Viewing Period: Late June to mid-August (peak bloom in July)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5–2 hours (easily combined with visits to Yue Fei Temple, Su Causeway, or Guo’s Villa)
🌟Highlights & Must-See Areas
1.Four Themed Lotus Zones – A New View at Every Turn
Fenghe (Lotus Breeze) Zone (Main Area): Expansive plantings of red, white, and pink lotuses, complemented by winding bridges, pavilions, and waterside corridors—the iconic photo spot.
Yue Lake Zone: Backed by Yue Fei Temple, with open water views and distant glimpses of Baochu Pagoda—lotuses framed by history and skyline.
Lakeside Forest Trail: Shaded paths and wooden boardwalks along the shore—ideal for quiet contemplation amid rustling leaves and blooming flowers.
Guo’s Villa Lotus Pond (adjacent to Quyuan): A classical Suzhou-style garden with intimate ponds featuring delicate water lilies—serene, elegant, and less crowded.
2.Rich Variety of Lotus & Water Lilies
Lotus varieties: ‘Hong Qianye’ (Red Thousand Petals), ‘Danban Honglian’ (Single-Petal Red Lotus), ‘Baiyangdian Honglian’, ‘Space Lotus’, and more;
Water lilies: ‘Blue Star’, Egyptian White, tropical hybrids—many open by day, close at night, in dreamy hues;
Special finds: Keep an eye out for rare twin-head lotuses or miniature bowl lotuses—spotting one is considered lucky!
3.Deep Cultural Ambiance
Stone steles and couplets throughout the park echo classical poetry, including a replica of Emperor Kangxi’s calligraphy: “Quyuan Fenghe.”
Though the nighttime Impression West Lake show is currently paused, an evening stroll still evokes timeless verses like: “Flute music rises from moonlit boats; wind stills, and lotuses bloom in tranquil grace.”
📸Top Photo Spots
Midpoint of the Nine-Turn Bridge: Frame lotuses in the foreground with Baochu Pagoda in the distance—a postcard-perfect composition.
Waterside Pavilion: Shoot close-ups of lotus blossoms at low angles; morning light makes petals glow translucently.
“Chengfeng Yao Yue” Pavilion in Guo’s Villa: Capture lotuses through ornate lattice windows—quintessential Chinese garden aesthetics.
Looking back from Su Causeway’s north entrance: Include both lotus ponds and weeping willows in one sweeping shot.
🚌How to Get There
Bus:
Routes 7, 27, 51, 52, 118 → get off at “Yuefen” (Yue Fei Temple), 3-minute walk;
Tourist lines Y10/Y11 → direct stop at “Quyuan Fenghe.”
Biking/Walking: Cycle along West Lake’s western shore via Yanggong Causeway—scenic and car-free.
Driving: Navigate to “Quyuan Fenghe Parking Lot” (limited spaces; public transport recommended on weekends/holidays).
💡Practical Tips
✅ Wear light-colored clothing: Pale outfits contrast beautifully with pink/red lotuses for photos.
👟 Bring mosquito repellent & sunscreen: Humid lakeside = mosquitoes; summer sun is strong.
☕ Limited food options inside: Pack water and snacks; cafés and teahouses available near exits.
🚫 Be respectful: Do not pick flowers, feed fish, or step into planting areas.
🌦️ Visit after rain: Raindrops on lotus leaves create glistening “pearls”; fewer crowds and fresher air.
🌸Lotus Bloom Calendar
Timeframe
What to Expect
Mid–late June
Early blooms—fresh, delicate, peaceful
Early–mid July
Peak season! Full bloom, intense fragrance, vibrant colors
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