Sanshui Lotus Flower Wonderland in Foshan

Sanshui Lotus Flower Wonderland (佛山三水荷花世界) is the largest and most resource-rich lotus viewing tourist attraction in the world. It integrates architecture, sculpture, lotus culture, amusement rides, hotels, and dining into one. The park was established by the Southwest Street Office of Sanshui District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, with guidance from Professors Wang Qichao and Zhang Xingyan of the China Lotus Research Center. It officially opened in July 2000. Covering an area of 1,000 acres, with 600 acres of water, the park is located in the “land of fish and rice” of Yun Dong Hai Street, Sanshui District, Foshan. The park is easily accessible with nearby highways connecting to surrounding cities and airports.

In honor of healthcare workers, the park will offer free admission and discounts on services once operations resume after the pandemic. Specific details will be based on announcements from the park.

Key Information

• Chinese Name: 三水荷花世界
• Location: 南丰大道, 佛山市三水区 (South Road, Sanshui District, Foshan City)
• Climate: Subtropical Monsoon Climate
• Opening Hours: Year-round, 09:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
• Rating: AAAA-level (National Scenic Area)
• Ticket Price: 70 RMB
• Famous Attraction: Twin Lotus Sculpture Square (并蒂莲雕塑广场)
• Recommended Visit Duration: 4 hours
• Best Visiting Season: Summer (最佳游玩季节夏季)

History and Development

The park underwent an upgrade and beautification project starting in December 2024. The landscape, lotus ponds, and architectural structures were renovated, and additional recreational facilities were added. The park reopened on January 19, 2025.

Lotus Garden and Features 

The lotus garden in Sanshui Lotus Flower Wonderland is home to over 480 rare lotus varieties, including the space-grown “Space Lotus” and the “Ancient Lotus” unearthed in Liaoning Province. Visitors can also admire various species of water lilies and aquatic plants. Special attractions include the 1.98-meter-wide giant Victoria water lilies (王莲), which can bear up to 40 kg, and the rare “Twin Lotus” (并蒂莲) with its breathtaking bloom.

The park is divided into eight zones based on different functions: Cultural Square (文化广场), Central Area (中心区), Variety Viewing Area (品种观赏区), Victoria and Water Lily Area (王莲和睡莲区), Dining and Entertainment Area (饮食娱乐区), Production and Research Area (生产科研育种区), and Seed Lotus Area (籽莲区).

Enjoy the Lotus World 

Visitors can enjoy the beauty of lotus flowers across the seasons, from the early blooms of spring, the blooming lotus under summer winds, to the graceful autumn lotus in the mist. Whether strolling through the garden, boating on the lotus ponds, or fishing and enjoying the serenity, the park offers a wide range of activities for all ages.

Every day, the park hosts a large-scale musical “Lotus Fairy” (荷花仙子), which tells a beautiful love story between a lotus fairy and an innocent lotus farmer, with battles against demons and witches. In addition, the park offers a unique lotus-themed banquet featuring dishes such as “Lotus Pond with Buddha’s Light” (佛照莲池) and “Lotus Leaves Forgetting the Return” (流莲忘返), which have received high praise from food critics.

The park also offers visitors the opportunity to purchase lotus-themed souvenirs such as lotus seed cakes, lotus root powder, and lotus heart tea, as well as stay in leisure villas with views of lotus ponds. Guests can enjoy fishing, picking lotus flowers, or simply relaxing under the moonlight.

The park is not only a feast for the eyes, ears, nose, and taste buds but also offers a peaceful retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. It promotes a harmonious relationship between nature and humanity, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience for all visitors.

Major Attractions

Broadcast

The Double Lotus Sculpture Plaza (并蒂莲雕塑广场)

A spacious entrance plaza with a large parking lot on the left that can accommodate 400 cars and 300 motorcycles. The gate features a truss structure, with a width of 60 meters and a height of 20 meters. Above the gate, there are three giant pink hemispherical buildings on both sides, supported by green columns and curved beams, resembling a blooming lotus flower. The golden “flower center” at the top bears the words “Sanshui Lotus Flower Wonderland” (三水荷花世界), written by Ye Xuanping (叶选平), Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. The steel cables above symbolize the lotus stem that, although broken, still holds on, creating an ethereal landscape.

In the center of the plaza, a lotus-shaped fountain, about 24 meters in diameter, serves as the main building. An abstract lotus leaf forms the base, and a 7-meter-high double lotus sculpture, made of stainless steel, stands at the center. The water jets glisten under the sunlight, and in the wind, they sway gracefully, resembling the sweet dew of the Tianshan Mountains nourishing the intertwined double lotus flowers.

Main Entrance of the Lotus Flower World (荷花世界主入口)

From the front view, the entrance resembles a giant blooming lotus flower, 20 meters high and 60 meters wide. The design gradually evolves into an abstract lotus form. Three pink semicircular petals represent the lotus flower’s petals, each supported by green columns, combined with green curved beams, symbolizing the purity of a lotus flower blooming on a green lotus leaf. The yellow truss structure in the center represents the vibrant flower center, while the steel cables below symbolize “the lotus stem is still connected even though it’s broken.”

Chinese Sturgeon and Koi Viewing Pools (中华鲟锦鲤观赏池)

On both sides of the main entrance, there are two distinctive viewing pools. One side features thousands of colorful koi swimming, creating a spectacular scene, while the other houses the Chinese sturgeon, an ancient and protected species often referred to as the “living fossil” of the water world.

Performance Center (汇演中心)

The park features a performance center, the largest of its kind, offering a unique atmosphere. Unlike traditional performance venues, the center uses the sky as a curtain and the ground as a seat, surrounded by lush greenery and fun-filled attractions like bumper cars and a sliding dragon playground, creating a joyful ambiance.

Viewing Platform (观赏台)

From the viewing platform made of bluestone, visitors can gaze at the lotus sea, drifting gently like a small boat on green waves. The blooming lotuses, in various stages of opening, present an array of charming forms and postures, offering an ever-changing beauty.

Moonlit Pavilion (浸月亭)

A pavilion stands above the lotus pond, perfectly situated to offer the best view of the lotuses. Sitting in the pavilion and gazing out, one can breathe in the fragrance of the flowers under the moonlight, experiencing the profound unity of nature as “the earth and I are born together, all things unite with me.”

Green Embankment (翠堤)

The Green Embankment (翠堤) is a peaceful retreat where lovers can stroll. Two rows of straight, water-soaked cypress trees create a protective “wall,” symbolizing a tranquil environment for couples.

Seed Lotus Area (籽莲区)

Covering 110 acres, the Seed Lotus Area (籽莲区) is a long pond area where visitors can experience lotus picking. During the peak months of July, August, and September, up to 3,000–5,000 high-quality lotus pods are harvested daily.

Fun Amusement Area (趣味游乐区)

This area, designed for children, features various slides, small houses, and climbing structures. Children can roll on the soft grass and play games like “cat and mouse” or “the wolf is coming,” making it a delightful space for families.

Lotus Culture Exhibition Hall (荷文化展馆)

Located on the right side of the Lotus Flower Theater, the Lotus Culture Exhibition Hall (荷文化展馆) consists of three dome-shaped exhibition halls, each representing different stages of the lotus flower’s bloom. The halls display various lotus-related cultural items, including ancient and modern books, paintings, and ceramics. The lotus is celebrated as a symbol of purity and beauty.

Lotus Flower Theater (荷花剧场)

A unique landmark building in the Lotus Flower World, the Lotus Flower Theater (荷花剧场) is located in the center of the park, above the water. It is a large circular building that can seat over 1,300 people. Every day, the theater hosts a large poetic dance drama, “The Lotus Fairy” (荷花仙子), which tells the ancient and beautiful legend of the lotus fairy. The performance combines beautiful dance, songs, acrobatics, and a stunning stage design, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Lover’s Island (情人岛)

Crossing the water lily area, visitors will find Lover’s Island (情人岛), a romantic spot where couples sing love songs and enjoy performances like “Lynx and Water Wedding,” featuring lively drum beats and colorful boats. Here, you can even have the chance to become the “groom” in a water wedding!

Eight Scenic Spots of Love for Lotus)

(1) Mingjing (Bright Mirror) — Viewing the Lake Surface from the Waterfront Path

Ancient officials used to hang plaques with the inscription “Mingjing Gaoxuan” (明镜高悬), symbolizing integrity and honesty. Today, the lake’s surface reflects like a mirror, symbolizing the same values. Mingjing reflects like water—experiencing integrity and clarity, while the lotus flowers on the water symbolize the harmonious relationship between officials and the public.

(2) Lianpiao (Lotus Floating) — Visit the Anti-Corruption Cultural Exhibition

The original architecture resembles three lotus flowers floating in the water in different states. “Lotus” sounds the same as “廉” (meaning integrity), and lotus flowers floating on Mingjing Lake symbolize the flourishing of clean governance. The renovation will reorganize the internal space to create a multi-dimensional display area, integrating multimedia technology to form a lively exhibition space for exhibitions such as anti-corruption culture.

(3) Lingmei Le (Listening to Beautiful Music) — Enjoying the Musical Fountain

While retaining the original music and fountain system, a water platform will be added to provide more viewing space. The music selection, fountain rhythm control, and lighting effects will create a gentle and refreshing audio-visual environment. The music includes popular Chinese songs like “Tianlu” (天路), “Let Us Row Our Boat” (让我们荡起双桨), and “Love My China” (爱我中华), all enhancing the influence of anti-corruption culture through water performances.

(4) Ai Qingfeng (Loving the Breeze) — Viewing the Cultural Corridor

The corridor in the garden, located near the water, serves as a place to catch the breeze and cool down. It symbolizes the clean governance ethos, represented by the “breeze” that refreshes and purifies.

(5) Dan Li (淡鲤) — Viewing the Koi Pond

The word “li” (鲤) is a homophone for “li” (礼), which means courtesy and integrity—important virtues in society. The koi swimming in the water highlight the clarity of the water, symbolizing a transparent and clean society.

(6) Hexiang (荷香) — Viewing the Lotus Pond

Breaking the existing embankment structure, the lotus pond area will be connected to allow for better views. Walking paths and ecological wooden walkways will be added to create a more participatory and experiential viewing route. The pathways will be lined with native Lingnan plants and evergreen fragrant flowers like osmanthus, forming a fragrant atmosphere with the lotus. The lotus grows from the mud without being tainted, symbolizing noble character and the embodiment of anti-corruption spirit.

(7) Pinggao Zhu (品高竹) — Qinglian Tea Pavilion for Rest

The Pinggao Zhu scenic area covers about 30 acres and is themed around anti-corruption culture, using bamboo as a metaphor and the four gentlemen (plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum) as a guiding theme. The area combines traditional and modern elements of Lingnan garden-making techniques, making it the core landscape of the cultural experience zone.

(8) Yingrihong (映日红) — Flower Viewing and Science Popularization

A new waterfront dock will be built, taking advantage of the red lotus flowers blooming across the lake during the season, creating a water-based lotus viewing route. The viewing route through the scientific planting and sustainable cultivation techniques will highlight the bright future of scientific development. The lotus flowers in the science greenhouse symbolize the lasting influence of clean governance while showcasing the promise of scientific progress.

Honors

The Sanshui Lotus Flower Wonderland has received numerous awards and recognitions:

• In 1999, it received a commemorative award at the 13th National Lotus Exhibition in China.
• In 2000, the company received the Second Prize for Technological Progress in Sanshui for its “Lotus Flower Off-Season Flowering Adjustment Technology.”
• In 2000, it was awarded as a “Foshan Science Popularization Education Base.”
• In 2001, it was recognized as a “Guangdong Science Popularization Education Base.”
• The Wonderland won multiple awards in national lotus cultivation competitions and exhibitions, including First Prize for “Winter Lotus” in 2004.
• In 2005, the site was officially rated as a “AAAA National Tourist Attraction” by the National Tourism Quality Assessment Committee.
• In 2021, it passed the annual 4A-level tourist attraction re-evaluation by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.