Summer is here, and soft wind carrying the smell of lotus blows through this ancient water town. It is the perfect spot for slow, relaxed summer days out.

Bright green lotus leaves stretch as far as the eye can see, and pink lotus blooms glow extra pretty in the sun. The yearly Lotus Market at Liqiao Water Town is officially open now.

Visitors walk the old streets lined with grey tile roofs in loose, pretty Hanfu robes. They hang out holding lotus stems, chat with friends, and stop to take photos every few steps. People and flowers blend together so nicely it looks just like a living painting. Every corner holds that soft, gentle classic charm.

Come and visit Liqiao this summer. Feel the cool wind off the lotus ponds, try all the tasty local street food and fun little finds from the market, and enjoy that special, cozy Jiangnan water town summer you cannot find anywhere else.(Source: Wu Yaxuan, Planning Department, Liqiao Water Town; Translation: Zha Ruonan)