Xichang Qionghai Water Lily Viewing Guide | Encounter the Golden Flower Sea

| Encounter the Golden Flower Sea. Inspired by the poetic imagery of "Water lilies, long and short, swaying left and right" from the *Book of Songs*, I embarked on a journey to Xichang's Qionghai to admire the water lilies. 🕐 Best Viewing Time The peak blooming season for water lilies is from June to September each year. During this time, vast stretches of yellow flowers blanket the lake, shimmering like golden brocade under the sunlight, creating a breathtaking sight. Early morning or dusk, when the light is soft and the flowers glow, is the perfect time for photography. 🌟 Recommended Viewing Spots 1️⃣ **Bird Island**: The boardwalk here is close to the water, allowing you to admire the water lilies up close. Standing on the walkway, you can clearly see the bright yellow petals and delicate lace-like edges of the flowers. A gentle breeze makes them sway, reflecting the sparkling ripples, as if stepping into a Monet painting. 2️⃣ **Qionghai Hotel Entrance**: This spot offers an open view, with rolling green mountains in the distance and expansive golden water lilies right before your eyes. 🚗 Transportation Options 🚘 **Self-drive**: Navigate directly to parking lots near the viewing spots. For example, Jinlin Beach has a dedicated parking area, but spaces may fill up quickly during peak season, so an early start is recommended. 🚕 **Taxi**: A taxi ride from downtown to the viewing spots costs around ¥20–50. Splitting the fare with friends makes it a budget-friendly option. 🚌 **Bus**: Xichang's bus routes are convenient. Check the schedules and enjoy the scenery along the way. 📌 Travel Tips • Xichang is sunny, and the UV rays by Qionghai are strong. Bring mosquito repellent, a sun hat, sunglasses, and other sun protection essentials. • There are few vendors selling snacks or water in the wetland area, so pack enough food and drinks. • The best time to photograph water lilies is before noon when the light is soft and the lake is calm, perfect for capturing reflections. By midday, the flowers may wilt slightly, affecting photo quality. 🍖 Food Recommendation ⬇️ **Xiaoyucun Shunlu Barbecue**: A local favorite! As a regular, I can vouch for its deliciousness. However, it’s always busy, so expect a wait after ordering. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation ⬇️ **Xichang Manxin Hotel** ✅ The hotel offers a variety of room types, suitable for solo travelers, families, or groups. My room was spacious, bright, and had incredibly soft bedding—perfect for a good night’s rest after a day of exploring. ✅ Each room comes with a minibar, ideal for unwinding with a favorite drink after a long day. ✅ The toiletries are high-quality, with thoughtful touches throughout. ✅ The hotel also features a gym and laundry room, catering to all travel needs. ❤️ Exceptional Service 👍 From the warm welcome at the front desk to the staff’s helpful travel tips, the service was outstanding, making me feel right at home. If you have an early departure, the hotel can even pack breakfast for you to take on the go—no need to worry about hunger! Truly thoughtful!