The blossoming of lotus flowers in Hangzhou is an annual must-go attraction for tourists. But this year the picturesque view in West Lake will probably diminish earlier than in past years.

According to a West Lake managerial staff member, lotus flowers are estimated to die by the end of August.

Continuous thundershowers and the recent Typhoon Morakot have resulted in the lotus flowers being blown around the water and smashed into pieces. Another reason for the early exit is due to the lotus blossoming one week earlier than last year.

Despite these conditions, the lotus flowers are much more beautiful than last year, according to one resident living by the West Lake.

Editor: Liu Fang