Visitors enjoy themselves at a lotus pond in Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

The first wave of lotus blossoms has arrived in Rugao, transforming ponds and waterways into vibrant displays of pink and white and signaling the arrival of the city's midsummer season.

At Shuihui Garden Scenic Area, lotus flowers bloom against a backdrop of traditional Chinese architecture, ancient trees, winding stone paths and elegant garden windows.

The lotus ponds at Longyou River Ecological Park and Pingyuanchi village are also in full bloom. Layers of broad green leaves blanket the water, while countless blossoms and buds rise above the surface, creating a refreshing summer landscape.

Visitors can admire the flowers from the shore, stroll along wooden boardwalks that wind through the lotus fields, or take a boat ride for a closer view of the blossoms. As more flowers open in the coming weeks, Rugao's lotus season is expected to offer one of the city's most enchanting summer experiences.