Step into a CCTV-recommended hidden paradise for free! Tongxiang's hundred-acre lotus pond is a fairyland on earth

Two million lotus leaves collectively create a natural breeze, offering a 25°C summer escape amidst 38°C heat—no air conditioning needed, just an ecological miracle. By the old street's temple bridge, an 83-year-old bamboo weaver works deftly, while steaming Ding Sheng cakes wrapped in lotus leaves warm your hands. Evening winds sweep across General's Lake, rustling through the lotus leaves—a breeze that has blown for six years, transforming this once-murky turtle pond into a model of water management in the Yangtze River Delta. Now at peak bloom, don't wait for the flowers to fade. This 25°C emerald paradise awaits your discovery. 📍Address: Maming Village, Zhouquan Town, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province ⏳Best viewing period: Late June to early September, with peak bloom in July. 🚉Transportation: [Car] Self-drive: From Tongxiang city center, take Tongde Line and turn onto Chongxin Line, or navigate to Maming Village Lotus Pond (~50 minutes). [Bus] Public transport: First reach Zhouquan Town by bus, then transfer to local taxis/rural buses (no direct routes available). 💰Admission: Free [Purse] Experiences: - Boat ride: ¥30 - Lotus seed picking: ¥20/basket - Hanfu rental: ¥50/hour 🗓Itinerary: [Sunrise] 7:00-10:00 AM [Flower] Paddle wooden tubs with lotus farmers to pick fresh lotus seeds—peel and dip in honey for authentic Jiangnan flavor with bitter-sweet notes. [Pushpin] Explore Maming Old Street morning market: Wrap steaming Ding Sheng cakes in lotus leaves, hear canal trade stories from the 83-year-old bamboo weaver. Fifty-meter-long teahouses exude misty charm amid waving palm-leaf fans. [CityDusk] 3:00-6:00 PM ❶ Make lotus stationery under peach tree shade: Craft summer keepsakes using ancient floral paper + lotus petal stamps. ❷ Kids' "Lotus Scientist" activity: Test water quality, observe insects—nature education unlocked. [CityNight] 8:00-10:00 PM [Taro] Moonlight feast by the pond: Lotus-leaf smoked fish, lotus root pork rib soup with chilled plum wine (¥50/person, "Once Upon a Bite" quality). [Pushpin] Weekly Saturday special: Villagers' shadow puppet show "Legend of White Snake·Bridge Reunion" with real lotus pond backdrop. 🍽Food recommendations: ❶ Fresh lotus seeds: Crisp and sweet (¥5/bowl, sold pondside). ❷ Lotus leaf tea: Unlimited refills (¥10) at pond teahouse—cooling summer drink. ❸ Braised lamb noodles: Signature dish at old street noodle shops. ❹ Eel noodles: Locals' favorite river delicacy. ❺ Farmhouse dishes: Stir-fried lotus stems, steamed pork with rice flour in lotus leaves, pond stir-fry (lotus seeds, water chestnuts, lotus roots). Seasonal and delicious (¥50-70/person). 📸Best photo spots: [One] Wooden walkways: Capture dreamy shots amid dense lotus leaves and blooms. [Two] Old theater balcony: Overhead view of pond + village, pink lotuses framing ancient roofs. [Three] Stone bridge corner: Wait for paddle boats to create "painting come alive" scenes. [Four] Thatched hut: Crouch-shoot with lotus foreground for "lost in blooms" effect. [Five] Lotus Viewing Pavilion: Evening telephoto shots of pavilion-water reflections. [Six] Teahouse windows: Frame bamboo curtains + smoked bean tea for Jiangnan aesthetics. 📝Tips: ❶ Avoid crowds (peak 4:00-6:00 PM). ❷ Sun/rain protection: Hats, cooling sleeves, mosquito repellent. Limited shade—skip midday sun. Wear non-slip shoes. ❸ Beware scams: Reject overpriced "wild" lotus seeds from tricycle vendors—buy from pond staff. New free access to floating bridge/peach island. ❹ Drone use requires village committee approval (heritage zone rules apply). ❺ No picking flowers/seeds—enjoy responsibly.