Nirvana Resort Beijing has a beautiful lake view. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The lotus is a water plant that blooms and flourishes in the summer. Chinese people not only appreciate the flowers, but also use lotus seeds and lotus roots in food.

Nirvana Resort Beijing, a natural, ecological hotel with a large lake, Daoxiang (wheat fragrance) Lake, in its grounds, is holding a Lotus Festival from July 20 through Sept 30.

The event involves a lotus festival cultural exhibition, lotus-related food presentations, as well as displays of photography and calligraphy.

Covering an area of 42 hectares, including 4 hectares of lake, the hotel is a good option for a day tour. It is a 40-minute drive from the Northern Fourth Ring Road. The lake is home to various kinds of lotus with red or white flowers and water lilies.

A lotus produce market will sell lotus seedpods, fresh lotus seeds, fox nut and lotus tea.

The hotel’s restaurants have introduced lotus-related foods such as steamed glutinous rice with lotus seeds served in lotus leaf, preserved plum with water chestnut kernel, lotus root cake with red wine, and lotus powder cake with sweet-scented osmanthus. The hotel has a buffet restaurant, a Chinese a la carte restaurant, as well as a cafe and hot pot restaurant.

Many of the restaurants have a view of the lake. The Chinese restaurant offers Peking roast duck. There is a long path around Daoxiang Lake in the hotel grounds, and bikes are available for rent.

A children’s garden has an inflatable castle, a trampoline, a slide, swings and animals such as a donkey, goats, chickens and rabbits. An islet in the lake has a precious inkstone display, plus a restaurant and teahouse with beautiful interior decor and Mayan-style statues.

IF YOU GO?

010-5871-8888. 28 Daoxianghu Lu (road), Sujiatuo Township, Haidian district, Beijing.