The Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard

The Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard

: The most captivating attraction of The Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard remains enjoying the lotus blossoms in summer. Heading north along the Su Causeway and passing the Yazhi Bridge, you can spot the park from afar on the left, near today’s Hongchun Bridge on Lingyin Road. Attractions within the garden include: Yingxun Pavilion > Scenic Stele Courtyard > Lakeside Dense Forest Area

: The park’s various-sized lotus ponds are home to over a hundred varieties of lotus flowers, among which the most enchanting is the Lotus in the Breeze area. This section is dominated by water surfaces, featuring famous types of lotuses such as red lotus, white lotus, double-petal lotus, gold-splashed lotus, and twin lotus. The lotus leaves spread far and wide, while the elegant blossoms captivate the eye. Small bridges of diverse designs span the water—walking across them feels like strolling through a sea of lotuses. People lean against the flowers, their reflections mirrored in the blooms, creating a mutual admiration between human and blossom. Yingxun Pavilion is an ideal spot built for visitors to admire the scenery from above. Ascending the pavilion, one can enjoy the magnificent view described as “boundless green lotus leaves stretching to the sky, and pink lotus flowers glowing red under the sun.” A gentle breeze brings waves of refreshing lotus fragrance, soothing the heart and dissolving worries. Beneath Yingxun Pavilion, there is a lotus culture exhibition room that showcases the noble character of the “gentleman among flowers,” which rises unstained from the mud, as well as a variety of artistic works reflecting people's values, aesthetic tastes, and moral aspirations. The Yuehu (Moon Lake) scenic area preserves the Scenic Stele Courtyard inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, which reads “The Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard.” That stele is one of only two surviving original Kangxi-era inscriptions of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. The Zhusu Garden scenic area, newly built and opened in recent years, was originally one of the renowned gardens by West Lake in the early Qing Dynasty, featuring bamboo, rocks, pavilions, winding streams, and an atmosphere of seclusion and elegance. The Lakeside Dense Forest Area provides visitors with tents, hammocks, and bamboo or wooden cabins for barbecues, fishing, entertainment, and gatherings. Near the northern side of the garden, close to the Yuefei commercial district, lies the Fenghe Wine Garden, which houses an antique-style brewing workshop and several uniquely designed ethnic-style restaurants.

Special Recommendation: For barbecuing, you can call “Caoyuan Xingfa” at (0571-86060621) to reserve lamb skewers at 0.8 RMB each. The meat is tender and flavorful. For a more relaxed experience, the company can also send barbecue staff to serve on-site (additional charges apply).

Transportation: Take bus K7 to Yuewangmiao Station, enter Yanggongdi from the northern end of The Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, and visit attractions along the way such as Jinshagang, Huapu, Maojiabu, Wuguitan, Yu Hu Bay, and Huagang Guanyu. Alternatively, take bus K4 to Sudike Station, and enter Yanggongdi from the southern end at Huagang Guanyu, formerly on Xishan Road. Or take buses 28/K28, 82/K82, or 15/K15 to the The Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard stop.

Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province