In early June, the lotus leaves sway gracefully in the breeze along the shores of Daming Lake in Jinan, and the first few lotus blossoms are beginning to come into bloom.

A close-up look at a vibrant pink lotus flower with a bright yellow center in full bloom by the shores of Daming Lake. [Photo/Dazhong News]

A vast expanse of green lotus leaves covers the surface of Daming Lake in Jinan. [Photo/Dazhong News]

A single vibrant pink lotus flower stands against the green foliage along the shores of Daming Lake in Jinan. [Photo/Dazhong News]