The beautiful scene of lotus in full bloom in Kunming Lake reappears in Beijing's Summer Palace this year, for the first time in a decade, according to latest issue of Beijing Review.

The growth of the lotus plants started to slow down when silt was being cleared out of the lake and the water became deeper in 1990, for the first time in 240 years.

Lotus in the Garden of Harmonious Interest in the Summer Palace is a famous scene. The height and density of the lotus is determined by the scenery and architectures around the lake, to form a perfect picture from any angle. Along the West Dyke, red lotus flowers, green leaves and red carp in the lake form a delightful contrast.

Lotus planting in the Summer Palace has a long history, and lotus flowers in Kunming Lake became famous during the reign of the Empress Dowager Cixi（1835-1908）in the late 19th century.

(Xinhua 09/10/2001)