The “Lotus” is truly a diverse and amazing natural flower.

As a native wonder plant of Southern Asia, the Lotus signifies importance in a number of cultures.

Hindus consider the lotus to have been part of the creation of the world, Buddhists associate the flower with the cycle of reincarnation, and throughout much of Asia the plant is respected and also eaten.

Among the many adventurous activities to do in Yangshuo like biking, climbing and rafting, there’s another spectrum of Chinese life that includes a bit of leisure.

Just a few kilometers outside of Yangshuo in Guangxi Province, China is a gorgeous lotus patch garden that is set up for pure relaxation.

I believe the entrance fee was 3 CNY ($0.47), but to take a break from the heat and walk the paths was pretty cool.

While strolling through the amazing lotus plants surrounded by karst mountain scenery, the owner was out in the field plucking a couple fruits using a long bamboo pole and net.

Lotus plants are very useful.

The roots (which grow under water) are popular to eat in various Chinese dishes, the stems are used in stir fries, and the leaves are used as a wrapper for my favorite kind of dim sum steamed glutinous rice. The seeds from the fruit are eaten straight from the pod.

In Thai food, the seeds from the fruit are also highly praised. Many people love to eat them. The stems are used in a few different Thai curry dishes.

The lotus patch in Yangshuo not only offers a chance to relax but they also serve an ice cold lotus and peanut beverage.

For 2 CNY ($0.31) you can get a cup of lightly sweetened lotus water filled with boiled lotus nuts and peanuts. It was an excellent way to take a break from the heat and to re-energize and continue biking through the amazing karst mountains!

When you’re in Yangshuo, China, bike on over to the Lotus Garden!