Lotus flower 荷花

Lotus flowers have a long, rich history spanning thousands of years. Naturally occurring in many countries in Southeast Asia and Australia, they miraculously grow in the murkiest of conditions. The lotus is a lucky symbol that's revered for its resilience, and of course, its beauty. Shenzhen's Honghu Park has been holding lotus flower shows on a yearly basis since 1988, featuring several hundred types of lotus flowers. Photos by Wang Haolan