A woman of the Dai ethnic group sits on the leaf of the Victoria amazonica. (People’s Daily Online/Zhang Jiaojiao)
Recently the Victoria amazonica, also known as the giant water lily, at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, have entered their peak viewing period, drawing crowds of visitors. Tourists are lining up to get the unique experience of "sailing on a leaf" as they sit atop the massive floating leaves of the flower. Local women from the Dai ethnic group have been seen performing elegant dances on the leaves, adding to the charm.
The giant water lily is a renowned aquatic ornamental plant. Its leaves can reach over 2 meters in diameter and are capable of supporting objects weighing up to 60 to 70 kilograms without sinking, making them a marvel of nature. Originally native to the tropical regions of South America, the species was first introduced to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in 1963. After years of cultivation, it has become a signature attraction of the garden.
A woman of the Dai ethnic group sits on the leaf of the Victoria amazonica. (People’s Daily Online/Zhang Jiaojiao)
A woman of the Dai ethnic group dances on the leaf of the Victoria amazonica. (People’s Daily Online/Zha Wei)
Photo shows Victoria amazonica in their peak viewing period in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. (People’s Daily Online/Zhang Jiaojiao)
Photo shows Victoria amazonica in their peak viewing period in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. (People’s Daily Online/Zhang Jiaojiao)
Intern Geng Yujie contributed to this story.
原文地址：http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0616/c90000-20328276.html